The Tasting Panel magazine

October 2015

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october 2015  /  the tasting panel  /  73 PHOTO COURTESY OF GONZÁLEZ BYASS F orget all those things you learned in school about Christopher Columbus discovering America. Today, America is discovering Spain— specifically, the wines and spirits of González Byass, a name that, until now, has been primarily known for its award-winning Sherries. Most notable among those fortified wines is their flagship fino, Tio Pepe, which translates into "Uncle Joe," a tribute to the uncle and mentor of Manuel María González Ángel, who founded the original company in 1835. Still family-owned, González Byass is now helmed by the found- ing family's fifth generation and current Chairman, Mauricio González-Gordon, who is skillfully steering his company's ship into a dramatically expanded presence in America. And as part of this new and extended voyage, González is repeating history, for just as his great-great- grandfather, Don Manuel María González, decided to go into partnership with his British agent Robert Byass in 1836—thereby creating the company name of González Byass—the firm has recently acquired ownership of its U.S. wine importer, Vin Divino, headquartered in Chicago. With this all-important acquisition, the Vin Divino name will soon be changed to González Byass USA. "Changing our name from Vin Divino to González Byass USA means a couple of impor- tant things," said Len Nowicki, President of Vin Divino and the soon-to-be González Byass USA. "It demonstrates González Byass's commitment to this market, and solidifies our long-term stability. It also makes us a 'family' company, providing the great values that accompany this concept. Even in such a highly competitive busi- ness environment, values, trust and personal relationships are all-important." Other changes have already taken place. González Byass is now helmed by the founding family's fifth generation and current Chairman Mauricio González-Gordon. PHOTO COURTESY OF GONZÁLEZ BYASS With this all-important acquisition, the Vin Divino name will soon be changed to Gonzalez Byass USA. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GONZÁLEZ BYASS Secastilla sits in an exceptional enclave in the northernmost part of Spain's Somontano region. The agroclimatic conditions there are particularly suited to growing vines, as they produce a distinctly Mediterranean microclimate. Here, on stony hillsides at high elevation, organically grown vines, including very old recovered Garnacha stock, are planted. Garnacha is a tradi- tional Secastilla variety and new Garnacha and Syrah vines have also been planted. `

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