Illinois-based Terlato Wines International (TWI), an importer and marketer of fine wines, has signed a distribution deal with Marnier-Lapostolle to import and market Lapostolle wines and Chateau de Sancerre wines in the US.

Founded by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and Cyril de Bournet, Marnier Lapostolle produces majority of its wines from the Apalta region of the Colchagua Valley including the Clos Apalta flagship red wine.

The winery produces over 200,000 cases of wines annually from more than 900 acres of vineyards.

Lapostolle wines to be imported and marketed by Terlato include the current Casa, Cuvee Alexandre, Collection tiers and the newly launched Canto de Apalta.

Owned by the Marnier Lapostolle family, Chateau de Sancerre wines from the Loire Valley such as Chateau de Sancerre Blanc, Chateau de Sancerre Rouge and Chateau de Sancerre Cuvee du Connetable will be imported and marketed by Terlato.

Lapostolle said he knows personally that the Terlato family and their team are well suited to develop Lapostolle at its best in the US.

"We introduced Lapostolle wines in the US in 1995 and have had much success," Lapostolle said.

"Since that time, we’ve continued to invest in our vineyards and winemaking, focusing on organic and biodynamic practices."

Terlato president and CEO William Terlato said he has visited Chile several times to explore the right Chilean brand to add to their portfolio.

"After visiting Lapostolle and tasting their exceptional wines, I knew immediately that it was the brand for our family to represent," Terlato said.

TWI has a portfolio of 50 brands including Napa Valley’s Chimney Rock, Episode, Galaxy, Jack Nicklaus Wines, Luke Donald Collection, Markham Vineyards, Quickfire, Rutherford Hill, Tangley Oaks and Terlato Family Vineyards and Sonoma County’s Alderbrook, Giarrusso, Hanna, Hideaway Creek, Rochioli, The Federalist and Terlato Family Vineyards, among others.