NEW YORK – For the first time ever, gay Americans can toast Pride Month with a wine specially created to celebrate LGBT equality. Égalité, the first nationally-distributed wine created in support of equality for gay Americans, is now available nationwide.
“With the recent influx of states legalizing same-sex marriage and more expected to follow suit in the coming months, LGBT Pride Month is the perfect time to recognize the hard-earned progress that has been made in pursuit of Equality for gay Americans,” said Darren Restivo, one of the principals of Biagio Cru & Estate Wines, the creator and importer of Égalité. “There is no better way to celebrate gay Pride than with this spectacular sparkling wine.”
The name Égalité, which is French for “Equality,” is both a reflection of the wine’s origin and a celebration of Equality for the LGBTQ community in the United States and around the world. A Crémant from the Burgundy region of France, Égalité offers hints of peach and honey blossom on the palate, with a clean, dry finish found in only the finest Champagnes.
In celebration of its launch, Égalité made contributions of $1,000 each to GLSEN, The Trevor Project, Center on Halsted, The Ali Forney Center, and Equality Maine. Additionally, each quarter, a portion of its proceeds will be donated to LGBT nonprofit organizations, chosen by fans of Égalité on Facebook. After receiving the most votes on Facebook, Equality Illinois, the state’s oldest and largest LGBT advocacy organization, was awarded a portion of Égalité’s first quarter proceeds in the form of a $2,750 donation. Camp Ten Trees, a Seattle-based organization that offers yearly summer camp sessions for LGBTQ youth, was also awarded $500 for receiving the second-most votes.
In addition, Égalité recently teamed with GLSEN as the sparkling wine for their annual award dinners. Overall, Égalité has contributed more than $15,000 to LGBT nonprofit organizations since its January 2013 launch.
The Égalité concept is a product of exhaustive research by Biagio Cru, as well as input from the gay community. Biagio Cru developed its name and label in part through a focus group that brought together gay and straight participants with diverse backgrounds, including leaders in the fight for marriage equality.
“Égalité is an exceptional, elegant wine that appeals to all supporters of Equality with discerning taste,” added Restivo.
Égalité is 45-percent Pinot Noir, 30-percent Chardonnay, 20-percent Gamay and 5-percent Aligote. It has a suggested retail price of $23.99 for a 750-ml. bottle. Égalité is available nationwide at restaurants and retail stores and on wine.com.
Connect with Égalité on their newly-launched Web site at egalitewines.com, or on Facebook or Twitter, and #toastequality.
