New Fair Trade Certified(TM) and Organic Wine Arrives in the U.S.

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:00am EDT

--"Ecologica" Combines Quality and Affordability With a Social Conscience and
Healthy Living--

ROSLYN, N.Y., April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of Earth Day
2009, Biagio Cru and Estate Wines today announced the U.S. arrival of
Ecologica, one of the first Fair Trade Certified(TM) and organic wines to be
sold in the nation. 

The Ecologica line, produced by Argentina'sLa Riojana, the world's largest
producer of certified organic Fair Trade wines, will include a
Torrontes/Chardonnay blend as well as a Syrah/Malbec blend.  Both wines will
have a suggested retail price of $12.99.

"This is yet another milestone for wine in the United States," said Darren
Restivo, marketing director of Biagio Cru and Estate Wines.  "Ecologica
combines a quality and affordable wine with a social conscience and healthy
living.  We are proud to be the pioneers in this unique category."

Fair Trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to
alleviating global poverty and encouraging sustainability. The movement
advocates the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental
standards in areas related to the production of a diverse array of goods,
including wine.

"The 500 family farmers who make-up the La Riojana cooperative believe it is
important to care for the environment, live healthier and also to respect
workers and their rights," said Walter Carol, export director for La Riojana. 
"Ecologica is a wonderful wine and we look forward to sharing all of its
virtues with consumers in the U.S."

La Riojana and Biagio Cru and Estate's commitment to Fair Trade demonstrates
their tremendous leadership within the wine industry.  For every bottle sold,
a sales percentage contributes to a social premium fund for the workers. 

"The social premium development money empowers communities to build a positive
and sustainable social and economic future.  It enables the communities and
families who work at La Riojana to have access to schools, medical facilities
and micro-finance loans for workers to repair and build homes," says Kazuko
Golden, Wine Account Manager for TransFair USA.

TransFair USA is the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade
Certified(TM) products in the United States. TransFair USA audits and
certifies transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified
products and their international suppliers to guarantee that the farmers and
workers producing Fair Trade Certified goods were paid fair prices and wages. 

Biagio Cru currently imports other La Riojana wines including the Santa
Florentina and Raza lines which have been in the U.S. since 2002, comprising
95 percent of La Riojana's U.S. sales.

For additional information:
www.lariojana.com.ar/
www.biagiocru.com
www.transfairusa.org


SOURCE  Biagio Cru and Estates Wines

Robert J. Barletta of The Marino Organization, +1-212-889-0808,
Robert@themarino.org
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