South West France Wines Makes Its US Debut

NEW YORK, NY, Jun 29 (MARKET WIRE) --
This month, the Interprofession des Vins de Sud Ouest (IVSO), the
official trade association for the wines of South West France, is
embarking on their first-ever United States communications campaign. From
a vast, diverse wine region on the brink of rediscovery, South West Wines
is overflowing with market potential. France's fourth biggest appellation
in terms of both volume and sales, South West wines offer something for
every taste and wallet -- from red, white and rose still wines to
sparkling wines. The $1.35 million 3-year program, financed in part by
the European Union, aims to introduce the region's rich, colorful palette
of quality, value driven wines to the American public.

Following the completion of a thorough US market analysis, the 2009 South
West France Wines campaign concentrates on two main axes: Public Relations
and Education. The inaugural year of the program will include activities
such as:

-- South West Wines Luncheon to showcase the variety of styles available.
From the crisp fragrant dry whites from Cotes de Gascogne to the bold reds
of Madiran, to delicate roses from Fronton and sparkling wines from
Gaillac, South West France offers endless wine and food pairing
possibilities.
-- Discovering the Wines of South West France Seminar taking place in New
York to educate 40 members of the trade and press on the region's 18 AOCs
and 22 Vins de Pays.
-- South West Wines Sample Mailing to 50 journalists who will be able to
taste and enjoy a selection of the region's wines at their leisure. Not
only will they savor familiar grape varieties like Merlot, Tannat and
Malbec, recipients will enjoy other indigenous varieties such as Negrette,
Duras, Fer Servadou, Petit and Gros Manseng, Colombard, Mauzac and Len de
l'El.
-- A South West Wines Advertorial Insertion in the June 30th VINEXPO
issue of Wine Spectator that highlights not only the region's vast range of
wines but also explains the unique heart-healthy attributes inherent in
several of the South West's Tannat-based red wine appellations.
-- Savoring the South West of France Trip for 4 privileged members of the
press, during which they will have the opportunity to explore the region's
richness of terroirs, meet passionate winemakers and experience the warm,
convivial South West France lifestyle firsthand.
-- Development of a Guide to South West France Wines, that will outline
for press and trade professionals the depth and breadth of the region's
offerings.

Paul Fabre, Director of IVSO, said, "We are excited to be sharing the
wealth and richness of our affordable, authentic and high-quality South
West Wines with the American public. We are committed to the United States
market, which represents enormous potential for our wines and for the
hard-working producers who create them."

The 2009 South West Wines public relations and communications campaign is
poised to illuminate the treasures of this heretofore mostly undiscovered
region. With diverse terroirs, innovative winemakers, and multiple grape
types, South West Wines represent an affordable treasure trove just
waiting to be opened. For more information on South West France,
including maps and images please visit http://sopexausa.com/southwestkit.

About IVSO

The official wine-trade organization of the region, the Interprofession
des Vins du Sud Ouest (IVSO) is charged with the protection and promotion
of its 18 appellations and 22 Vins de Pays, both in France and in key
export markets. Its duties include maintaining strict quality controls
for the benefit of the consumer as well as the organization of both
economic studies and collective communication activities to benefit the
region's more than 5,000 winemakers.

Media Contacts:

Sopexa USA:
Pieter van Vorstenbosch
Director of Public Relations
Tel: (212) 386-7438
Email Contact

Interprofession des Vins du Sud Ouest:
Nathalie Chapeaublanc
Export Brand Manager
Tel: + 33 (0)5 61 73 66 11
Email Contact

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