NHL Hall of Fame and Soviet Superstar Igor Larionov visited Pillitteri to strenghten Icewine Partnership

Famed Detriot Red Wings center and Russian Superstar Igor Larionov visited Pillitteri Estates Winery Friday October 30, 2009.  Pillitteri Estates Winery grows and produces Icewines for his “Triple Overtime” and now “Larionov” collection of wines.  Igor has always been passionate about wines and in 2006 created his own wine company IL Triple Overtime as an obvious reference to his game winning goal in the 3rd overtime of game 3 of the 2002 Stanley cup Finals.  In 2008 Igor initially partnered with Pillitteri to produce an Icewine for his company and crafted a Limited Edition Vidal Icewine released on the eve of his induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame November 8th 2008.

In June 2009, Pillitteri Estates Winery developed a new Reserve Icewine under the “Larionov” label.  This was produced exclusively for the Russian market.  It has been launched in Russia, and has been selling there for about 8 weeks. 

The purpose of Igor’s visit Friday is to see the winery and taste through our portfolio, looking perhaps for ideas to expand the Larionov partnership with Pillitteri.  He is eager to see what new things we have come up with, including new Icewine styles, unique blends, production secrets and a chance to talk with Pillitteri’s winemaster Dr. Marc Bradshaw.  While here he will also taste a number of our new reserve, table and Icewines.  VinoCanada, Ontario representative for Igor Larionov’s wine portfolio, who was instrumental in bringing the partnership together, will be present and is credited with coordinating his visit on Friday.

Igor Larionov is one of Russia’s (and the former USSR’s) most decorated hockey players, having won 2 Olympic gold medals, 4 World Hockey Championships and the 1981 Canada Cup.  As a member of the Detroit Red Wings he captured 3 Stanley Cup Championships including in 2002 where he scored the game winning goal in triple overtime of game 3 in the finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.  In his NHL career he managed 644 points and 97 playoff points.

View the original press release for the unveiling of IL Triple Overtime Vidal Icewine to celebrate Igor Larionov's induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame one year ago.