FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NORTH AMERICAN LAUNCH PARTY FOR MONTE LAURO VINEYARDS WINES IN SARATOGA SPRINGS, MAY 13, FROM 7 TO 10 P.M. AT SARATOGA NATIONAL
Cooking demonstrations by Chez Sophie Chef Paul K. Parker
Jazz pianist Cole Broderick to entertain
After years of work by families from the Capital Region and throughout the United States and Canada, we are pleased to announce the North American release of three fabulous wines from a very special property in the South of France.
Monte Lauro Vineyards is a 16-acre vineyard in Montaud, France, which has grown grapes since the time of the ancient Greeks. Since the 10th century, the estate has been the ancestral home of the Montlaur family, which has entrusted Saratoga Springs, NY, resident Michael C. Belanger to bring the fruits of the family vines back to active bottling and develop the spectacular buildings on the property for use by adventurers from around the world. Montaud is situated in the Languedoc-Roussillon, one of the world's most productive wine regions, about 20 minutes from the azure Mediterranean Sea, Nimes and Montpellier.
Belanger has approached this task innovatively - selling mini-ownerships, or "microleases" to individuals and businesses who would like to lay claim to their own piece of the South of France, experience the glories and pleasures of European traditions and culinary delights and participate in the production of personalized wines.
Individual microleases are available for about $1,000 a year and include steep ownership discounts on lodging and programs at the 600-year-old stone farmhouse overlooking the vineyards, La Ferme du Vieux Chateau, as well as at participating facilities, your own personalized wines delivered to your door and ownership and participation in the ongoing process of restoration and discovery.
The microlease fees from the first 50 charter members have been used to improve La Ferme and to prepare for the commencement in June of regular weeklong seminars in cooking, photography and writing, as well as more casual visits by microlease owners. Initial steps have also been taken toward the archaeological study and restoration of the spectacular Chateau du Montlaur, the Montlaur family castle on the hill next to the farmhouse that was constructed starting in 950 A.D. and was heavily damaged by Protestant cannon fire in 1622 A.D.
The North American Wine Release Launch Party will take place May 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Prime Ballroom at Saratoga National, 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs.
The launch event is free and open to the public. We encourage individuals and businesses who are tantalized by the idea of owning and visiting their own vines in South of France, as well as restaurateurs and wine sellers to attend. There are also opportunities for investors who would like to finance future shipments from France to North America of wines from Monte Lauro Vineyards and the Celliers du Val du Pins collective, of which Monte Lauro is a member.
Chez Sophie Chef Paul K. Parker will offering cooking demonstrations, and his wife and partner, Cheryl will be on hand with Michael Belanger to explain the benefits of microlease ownership. Cole Broderick will be playing jazz piano and the Prime at Saratoga National will be providing hors d'oeuvres. Monte Lauro will be pouring samples of the wines from the vineyard which have received United States label approval:
Monte Lauro wines to be poured:
MONTE LAURO SUN SUPER D’OC 2008
A syrah-grenache blend that we call SUPER D’OC, to evoke the Super Tuscan vintages. SUPER D’OC strives to be the highest and best wine a vineyard in the Languedoc can make. This wine will only be made in the best vintage years and reflects what is at the heart of a winemaker’s joy – the proudest accomplishment that sums up the work of a season.
MARQUIS DE MONTLAUR CLASSIQUE 2008
A syrah-grenache-mourvedre blend produced in stainless steel to let the strength and promise of the terroir shine through. This wine is a real crowd pleaser and can proudly be served to the royalty at your own tables.
BOIS NOYER MERLOT 2009
This multi-award-winning vintage is very well known across the south of France and even into Paris where its simple earthy flavors are appreciated and enjoyed. Light tannins in the mouth are balanced by hints of bacon fat, revealing aromas of red fruits and spices.
We will also be pouring two additional wines from the Celliers des Val de Pins collective, of which Monte Lauro is a member:
CELLIERS DU VAL DES PINS CHARDONNAY 2009
This wine's color is yellow straw with a golden, sparkling sheen. The ripe fruit imbues the wine with viscosity and body and a honeyed nose. It makes one think about ripe, summer fruits such as peach or apricot, with also a touch of white flowers.
CHATEAU DES AVEYLANS LES TEMPLIERS 2005
Another great syrah-grenache blend ,this wine is one of Jean Pierre Martin’s best. A full bodied, chewy red wine rich in ripe red fruit flavors of cherry, prunes and apricots. This wine is a multi-award winning wine with recommendations in the Guide Hachette in France and GSIMONDI in North America (89/100). The 2003 vintage was also a Gold Medal winner in the French National Competition.
Event sponsors include:
MONTE LAURO VINEYARDS
MARCO POLO HOLDING AND TRADING CO., which sells and administers microleases for Monte Lauro Vineyards
THE CHEZ SOPHIE COOKING EXPERIENCE AT MONTE LAURO VINEYARDS, which will be introducing innovative weeklong culinary vacations at La Ferme du Vieux Chateau.
and SUCCESS MAGAZINE, which is providing underwriting and logistical support for the release of the wines and the promotion of Monte Lauro's microlease products.
CONTACTS
Michael C. Belanger, president of Monte Lauro Vineyards and Marco Polo Holding and Trading Co.
518-368-9300
michael@montelaurovineyards.com
Cheryl Clark, sales representative for Monte Lauro Vineyards and the Chez Sophie Cooking Experience
518-577-8326
cheryl@montelaurovineyards.com
Tom Cronin, publisher Success Magazine
518-583-1900
For detailed information about microleases and Monte Lauro programs, visit http://www.montelaurovineyards.com.
