Milestone Beverages has partnered with Jonathan Paige International to bring the Atilius collection of Italian still and sparkling wines to Australia.
The brand was launched three years ago and encompasses reds including Chianti DOCG and Super Tuscan through to sparklings such as Brut, Moscato and Asolo Prosecco DOCG.
Inspired by la vita dolce (the sweet life), founder Joe Milner – who worked for Constellation Brands, Diageo and Pernod Ricard before starting Milestone Beverages – wanted a wine that “quite simply captures the Italian life-loving spirit, their infectious passion for food and wine, fine balance of style, and unrestrained hospitality”.
For example, Atilius Prestigio, the Chianti Riserva DOCG displaying a firm character and velvety tannins, and Atilius Ribelle, the Super Tuscan cleverly balancing full body with elegant spices, both rated 91 points by James Suckling.
“Previously working with Ruffino at Constellation Brands, I fell in love with the Chianti category, Tuscan wines and the general Italian way of life,” Milner (above) said. “However, I felt some of the Italian wine brands relied too much on heritage and place of origin, which comes across in much of the category’s packaging.
“With Atilius wines, we wanted to bring the sexiness back into the Chianti category.”
Atilius has grown into an award-winning portfolio within a short span, available in all key markets of Asia Pacific. It is among Hong Kong’s best selling Italian wines, alongside Ruffino and Antinori.
Following the latest launch of Atilius in Korea, China, Philippines and Taiwan, Milestone Beverages is working with Jonathan Paige International’s Sean Ekanayake to introduce Australians to the range.
Contact sean@jpbeverage.com
