Do you savor high-end tequila? Gallo Winery of Modesto is importing another brand
A second tequila brand, this one high-end, has joined the portfolio at E.&J. Gallo Winery of Modesto.
Don Fulano chose Gallo to be the exclusive U.S. importer of its products from Jalisco, Mexico. Suggested retail prices for the five versions range from $50 to $190.
The tequila is “estate grown,” meaning a single source for the blue agave plants that yield the liquor, rather than a blend from multiple farmers.
“With Don Fulano’s mission of producing exceptional tequila, and Gallo making a name for itself in the luxury spirits category, the partnership seemed natural,” said Britt West, vice president and general manager for Gallo spirits, in a news release.
Gallo offers lots of liquors
Gallo is the world’s largest winery, and most of its products have been made from grapes since its founding in 1933.
But the company has long been in the business of hard liquor, starting in 1977 with E&J brandy from Fresno. In 2008, Gallo launched New Amsterdam gin in Modesto. It later added vodka to this brand.
Gallo began distributing Familia Camarena tequila from Mexico in 2010. Similar deals followed with makers of rum, Scotch whiskey and a few other products.
Made in the town of Tequila
Don Folano distills its tequila right in the town of Tequila. The agave is grown by the Fonseca family, fifth-generation producers of the plant.
The process starts with roasting the cores of the agave plants in large ovens. They then ferment with yeast and water to produce alcohol. This mix is distilled in copper tanks to achieve higher alcohol content, then aged in oak or stainless steel.
The products Gallo will distribute:
Don Fulano Blanco, aged in stainless steel for six months, suggested price of $50
Don Fulano Blanco Fuerte 100 Proof, aged in stainless steel for six months, $60
Don Fulano Reposado, aged in oak casks for eight to 11 months, $60
Don Fulano Añejo, aged in oak for at least 30 months, $80
Don Fulano Imperial Extra Añejo, aged in oak for at least five years, $190
‘Honored to partner’ with Gallo
Gallo employs about 6,500 people in Modesto and elsewhere, selling 70-plus wine brands along with the spirits.
The current liquors include Dalmore Single Malt Scotch, Diplomático Rum, Jura Single Malt Scotch, Amaro Montenegro, and Argonaut and Germain-Robin brandy.
“We are honored to partner with E.&J. Gallo,” said Sergio Mendoza, founder of Don Fulano. “We know this partnership will accelerate the visibility of our brand throughout the U.S. and will forge our brand’s place among the leaders in the luxury tequila category.”
This story was originally published June 28, 2020 at 12:01 PM.
