worldÆs most prestigious wine brand and was considered ôthe crown jewel of wineries;ö Constellation now ranks number two in the 30 top U.S. wine companies (ôThe Top 30 US Wine Companies of 2004ö). The new companyÆs size and diversity are an asset
giv[ing] the company shelter from the ups and downs of grape supply and exchange rates. Being diversified is seen as insulating the company from market changes. Constellation doesn't have to convince the world to drink any particular wine (ôThe Top 30 US Wine Companies of 2004ö).
Constellation made a point of not changing MondaviÆs distribution network, commenting that they do not look at consolidation the way others do. They did go on to become a partner with Italian fine wine producer Ruffino, which added Italian wines to the mix offered by Robert Mondavi: Robert Mondavi, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Woodbridge, Arrowood, Opus One, and Byron (ôConstellation Brands Becomes a Partner With Italian Fine Wine Producer Ruffino,ö ôRobert Mondavi: The Winesö). Constellation Wines-U.
...