Yellow Tail with John Casella - Part 1
Managing Partner, John Casella Oversees his Production Facilities
Today we sit down with Australia’s John Casella, Managing Partner of Casella Wines, better known for its popular wine brand Yellow Tail. With over 8 million cases ($350 Million US) of wine arriving in the USA this year Yellow Tail has grown to become one of the world’s most popular wines. Join us for this 2 part series and discover how Yellow Tail got to where it is today.
Learn about Casella Wines and [Yellow Tail]: www.casellawines.com
Sponsor: The Center for Wine Origins: Click Here to Learn More
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(23:26 min 11 MB)
I don’t really like their wine but they have a great story. The growth at a time of such a massive wine glut is amazing. Thanks again I look forward to hearing part 2.
You may not like the wine, but you tried it! I admire that you you did not pre-judge the wine. You did not care for the wine, others love it. No matter what, you have to be impressed at their growth and their ability to tap in to an underserved market.
Jay
I too have tried their wines, can’t say that I am a big fan, but have tasted different ones they have made. Incredible growth story. I am prefering great recommendations from my wine merchant for less expensive wines that I feel are better. But good show, look forward to the next one.
Thanks for the feedback Richard. We have more few great shows coming in the near future.
Now, I’ve only tried their Shiraz, (and, to be quite blunt, the fruit juice criticism isn’t too far from my own opinion) but I was pleasently surprised by how interesting Casella’s interview is. I guess with the runaway success of Yellow Tail, I was expecting some sort of mechanized boogyman, but Casella seems remarkably humble and good natured. Whatever I think of his methods and product, I can’t argue with his success. Quite a few people really seem to love his wine, and he is a genuinely interesting person.
Might even have to give a few of his other wines a try, after this interview…
Brian, did you get a chance to try their reserve and/or their merlot?
We opened a bottle at a tasting I opened and many felt it showed reasonably well.
He seemed to be direct, open and friendly. I liked him.
Jay
c’mon, the dude adds sugar, i mean concentrated grape juice, to his wine… a brilliant businessman, yes, but, personally i would rather support someone who is trying to make wine honestly….
i have never tried his wines, but for my $6-10 dollars, i would rather try people making wine in a more traditional way. las rocas any one? how about the 2001 Bodegas Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza? its about $13 here in socal…
i love the interview, jay asks the tough questions, and i found it interesting as i have seen their marketing but i have not tried their wines. now that i know what they are, i know they are not for me… no judgement, but i would rather support other winemakers… he does seem to be a very down-to-earth humble guy…
the question of art v science will continue to come in the winemaking business. i have tried sean thackery’s low priced wine (about $20). that particular bottle did not show well (at least to my palate). as i read more about him, i would certainly not even hesitate to buy another bottle with his name on it. i think he would make a very engaging interview… very polar opposite from mr casella…
Paul, I respect your position, but I would like to comment on a couple things.
I think you have made a judgment. This is you right of course, and is probably well founded based on your personal preferences. But since you have not tried their wines you will never KNOW they are not for you.
What do you mean “someone who is trying to make wine honestly”? You seem to be implying that because his methods are less traditional than other winemakers you respect, that his wines are in some way artificial and not “true” wines. I guess one could discuss the definition of what is a true wine or at what point does the product become a beverage and not a wine. However, I prefer not to focus on semantics. He is making a “product” that has a huge following of loyal customers. Their customers can open a bottle and enjoy it with their friends and family. Their customers do not care about techniques or styles. If he is filling that need, I for one find it hard to fault him for it.
BTW, I laughed about me asking the tough questions. I would have never guessed someone would say that. I try to go out of my way not to ask people questions that makes them uncomfortable. The last thing I want is for them to feel they need to be guarded or careful about what they say. I am not trying to judge our guests; I am trying to understand them.
Your comment about Sean Thackery is interesting. I sent them an email requesting an interview but never heard back from them. Maybe I should try again?
Jay
okay, you’re right i made a judgement… i blame the rioja…
Very good interview. I look forward to part 2. I personally have only
tried Yellow-Tail once and did not care for it but people are buying it
by the case load so he must be doing something right.
Al
Gentlemen,
I applaud your near total objectivity with all of your guests and I have listened to nearly all of your podcasts.
I listened intensely to your Yellow Tail interview waiting to hear the inside story on this industrial brew. Though there were a couple of questions steered toward flushing out the methods on how this product at 300 million cases a year or whatever is so consistent year after year, I was left wanting – especially after two hours of interview. It was all very cordial.
It comes as no surprise that wine has surpassed beer as the more popular beverage in the US. Wineries have adopted the industrial practices of commercial breweries, churning out the same consistent product year after year, like Budweiser or Coca Cola Review that picture of the field of stainless steel tanks – is this a winery or an oil refinery?
I must agree with the comments from Paul about creating an honest product. Real wine is a natural product as opposed to an industrial one and its differences and inconsistencies should be celebrated and enjoyed.
I drink wine nearly every day and I have had some of the Yellow Tail product. I find it completely as advertised – a beverage.
Keep up the good work.
Best,
Jason
PS. Thank god you’ve got a new sponsor. If I had to hear Lee say “Goombay” one more time, I think I would have gotten sick.
hi
Could you please advise where i can purchase yellow tail shiraz from in spain, my location is in torrieveja. south of alicante.
I have introduced some friends to it and its all the rage,
Your help would be very much apreciated.
Regards
Kevin Ellis
Try:
Torres (La Bolsa de Los Licores)
Nou de la Rambla,
34 08001 Barcelona
Tel: 933173234
Price will be equal to about USD $8.00 per bottle
http://www.vinosencasa.com
Did you all know that yellowtail is cask wine put in a bottle that has no shelf life made with the cheapest additions money buy! Tell them John how many growers you have back stabbed and sent bankrupt building you little empire, lets not forget all the people nearly killed in you winery because you fail to implement OHS in day to day operations or the people sacked for no reason just because a supervisor/manager needed to cover their ass to save their own job.
The only advice I can give you all is drink homemade wine it is far better for you and easy to make. You don’t need to be winemaker to do so anyone can do it….
Regards MIA Unleashed
I was wondering if there are any additives put in the Yellow Tail Cabernet , twice I have become very ill after having two glasses with dinner.
Anyone else notice a harsh “hangover” effect from the Reds of Yellow Tail?
Well, what can I say…I have a two liquor stores in Delaware and few Australian wines like Yellowtail, Little Penguin, Friday Monkey…to name a few sell like hot cakes. I have to agree that this famous brands have opened up new wine drinkers! By my experience, my wine buying customers have increased dramatically and thus resulting in over all sales. I think brands like Yellowtail and Friday Monkey have helped our stores, consumers and distributors. Its a complete win:win. Overall good wines at the right price.