It is a wonderful world we live in where a Brooklyn boy can grow up to become a true icon in the American industry. Such is the tale of Tony Terlato who after turning 21 in 1955 began working in his fathers liquor store helping to transform it into one of Chicago's finest international wine shops. The story does not end there. Decades later he is the man behind many wine legends.
Along the way he met 7th generation Burgundian winemaker Micheal Chapoutier who is very famous in his own right, called outspoken, flamboyant, brilliant, daring and considered to be one of the world's greatest winemakers.
They got together in Victoria Australia to make this extraordinary Shiraz Viognier blend that I enjoyed at one of our final outdoor dinners of the summer of 2011. My friend Tim Foster has great taste in wines and I took this beauty to be one you would happily pay $25+ to own. To my surprise it can be had for under $15. A true value.
Shiraz or Syrah as it is called in France, is used to make big bold wines in Australia. They are often peppery and rich with big bold red fruit with plum and cherry flavors. They vary according to the region and the producer but you can generally count on them to stand up to any big meal and give abundant pleasure.
Wine makers down under have for years blended their precious Shiraz with other grapes. One blend I really do enjoy is with the lighter Viognier that is abundant in rich flowery aromas and flavors. Anthony and Michael chose this blend to produce a beautiful wine that is "a spicy Shiraz from the vineyards of Central Victoria brightens with a boost of Viognier for aroma and balance." This is a practice that is often found in France’s world famous Northern Rhone Valley, in the appellation of Côte Rôtie. But don't be mistaken this wine is distinctly Australian.
We loved the wine with a summer dinner of grilled flank steak and corn on the cob with a fresh garden salad and herb roasted potatoes. Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier
We have enjoyed other Terlato wines like the Summer Wines we reviewed a few months ago and favorites from Sokol Blosser.
Anthony's innovative and visionary approach wine has always been driven by his view that "quality is a way of life."
Today he is chairman of Terlato Wine Group and Terlato Wines International. In the past 50 years his contributions have been great earning him much recognition from industry peers, including Man of the Year from Wine Enthusiast and the Distinguished Service Award from Wine Spectator. In 2006, Terlato received the Horatio Alger Award, which honors achievement in overcoming adversity and humble beginnings.
In 1979 Tony discovered Pinot Grigio in Italy and brought it to the United States as Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. Needless to say since then Pinot Grigio has become the most popular Italian white wine in the US and has opened the way for many other wonderful Italian red and white wines that we love.
In 1996, Terlato became a wine producer with the purchase of Rutherford Hill Winery. In
Tony's words "Gathering at the table has always been at the heart of the Terlato family. From my childhood, I can remember dinners and evening gatherings with family, cousins, and friends, laughing and enjoying each other's company." Years later "Now when we gather with my sons Bill and John and their children, we can enjoy the wines that we market and the wines we produce. Rutherford Hill, Chimney Rock, Sanford, Alderbrook, and our namesake label Terlato Family Vineyards are wines that are made for the central moments in your life, carefully crafted, to be memorable."
