October 14, 2009, NEW YORK, NY — Allison Domeneghetti, chief operating officer of Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE), announced today the addition of Sombra, a single village mezcal, to the Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits Portfolio.
“Classic & Vintage is a collection of the finest spirits from all around the world, each of which express their distinct character, tradition and diversity,” said Allison Domeneghetti. “We see mezcal as an exciting and growing spirit category and have been searching for a Mezcal partner that embodies the Classic & Vintage artisan philosophy. Sombra is a complex, smoky single village mezcal made from organically farmed, single variety Espadin agave. It is a natural fit for our portfolio and is now the exclusive mezcal spirit in our collection.”
Launched to limited distribution in January 2009, Sombra is already captivating the attention of both industry professionals and media. Sombra was created by three passionate mezcal lovers - Richard Betts (Master Sommelier, Betts & Scholl and Wine Director, Castle Brands), Dennis Scholl (entrepreneur, contemporary art collector, Betts & Scholl) and Charles Bieler (Three Thieves, BIELER Pere et Fils, and Charles & Charles). In stark contrast to the production of inferior mass-produced mezcals, Sombra is made from a single-site, organically farmed, high altitude agave that is expertly distilled in the traditional method.
“In it’s first year Sombra quickly captured the imagination of top mixlogists and agave connoisseurs,” says Charles Bieler of Sombra. “We felt that to keep this momentum going we needed to better support our customers and to expand in to the majority markets we weren’t in. Domaine Select’s Classic & Vintage group has an appreciation of artisan spirits like no other company we know and an exceptionally knowledgeable staff to educate and support the top restaurants, bars and retailers across the country. We are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to work with such an inspired group.”
Smokey, with heady notes of spice and citrus fruit, Sombra mezcal is an exceptional standout in the Mezcal category. It is the perfect addition to the hand-selected spirit gems already housed under Classic and Vintage Artisanal Spirits Portfolio umbrella. The collection currently includes imported European products such as Italy’s top Amaro, Armagnac, single-barrel Cognac, award-winning French gin, and Rhum Agricole from the island of Martinique. The line also includes artisan products from the U.S. such as whisky and bourbon from New York’s Hudson Valley, and organic vodka from Wisconsin.
Retailing for $49 and distributed nationally in limited quantities, visit www.sombraoaxaca.com to locate the spirit in local markets.