Jackson Family Wines launches new international distribution strategy for flagship wineries

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 07 November, 2016

Jackson Family Wines (JFW) has upped the global distribution of two of its top Californian wineries, Cardinale and Vérité, to increase supply outside of the US and Canada.

Starting with the 2013 vintage, Vérité and Cardinale will be represented by five additional Bordeaux négociants: Ballande & Meneret, CVBG, Duclot, Joanne and Mestrezat Grands Crus.

The group's long-term partner, Mahler-Besse, will also continue to distribute Vérité.

JFW has partnered with local importers and Mahler-Besse for some time, using a hybrid model for the distribution of Vérité, but is now looking to increase its distribution capacity.

This announcement coincides with the official release of 2013 vintage for both wineries today (November 7).

"I am delighted to partner with these internationally-renowned négociants and feel confident that Cardinale and Vérité are in the very best hands to expand and enrich our global distribution," JFW chairman and owner, Barbara Banke, said.

"I am excited about this new export strategy for two of the jewels of our portfolio and expect these to become very long-term relationships for the company."

JFW is a US-based, family-owned wine company which owns wineries in North America, Chile, France, Italy, South Africa and Australia.

It has more than 50 brands in its portfolio.

Cardinale is located in Napa's Oakville District, while Vérité is made in Sonoma County by Bordeaux-born winemaker Pierre Seillan.

Today's release of the 2013 Vérité comprises a trio of wines: La Muse, La Joie and Le Desir.

The vines are grown on 32 different soil types, across four different regions: Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Chalk Hill and Knights Valley, and each Vérité wine is a blend of "micro-crus" from these vineyards.

Vérité wines are blends of these micro-crus, based on the Bordelais model.

La Muse is a "Right Bank" or Pomerol style wine, made from a Merlot dominated blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, while La Joie can be seen as a "Left Bank" or Pauillac wine and a predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Le Désir is chiefly made from Cabernet Franc and draws parallels with St. Emilion.

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