Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3815
86 / the tasting panel / october 2009 Absolut Boston Scores Big in Beantown Signorello Vineyards Napa Valley Ray Signorello, proprietor and winemaker, is proud to share his collection of art-in-a-glass. Located on the scenic Silverado Trail, Signorello Vineyards certainly has one of the most breathtaking views in the area. The family has been growing premium grapes since the early '80s and started producing world-class wine in 1985, while maintaining outstanding value in the marketplace. Signorello Vineyards makes limited quantities of premium varietals that blend classic French winemaking techniques with California fruit. Signorello Vineyards is represented by BevBlitz, the first Temporary Sales Representative Company spe- cialized for the beverage industry. For sales informa- tion, contact BevBlitz (www.BevBlitz.com). BevBlitz Winery of the Month A fervently loyal town, Boston is expected to fully support the new flavor of Absolut, named after the city. It was launched on a poignant day, the morning after Senator Ted Kennedy's death, and the program began with a moment of silence called by Absolut Marketing VP Tim Murphy. But everyone was heartened by the appearance of Stacey Lucchino, wife of Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino and supporter of the Charles River Conservancy. Nationally-known Boston-born actors, politicians and other celebrities had also signed tiles on display, fronting a mini Fenway "green wall" displayed in downtown Bos- ton before being auctioned online for the Charles charity. Contributing to the river that runs through Boston, as well as the sports team that owns Bostonians' hearts, Absolut and Pernod Ricard look to score mightily with their introduction of a tea and elderflower flavor, echo- ing the Absolut print ads of earlier days with their nod to the famed Boston Tea Party. Absolut pledged $50,000 to the Charles River Conser- vancy. Bob Epstein, head of distributor Horizon Bev- erage, donated $30,000, and his salespeople a further $9,000 from their commissions on this limited-release flavor. Only 10,000 12-bottle cases of Absolut Boston (SRP $24.99 per liter) will be produced. Fifty to 60% is expected to be sold in New England, perhaps more, commented Pernod Ricard's Ian Crystal, when you take into account the passionate fans of Red Sox Nation. Ab- solut is also a corporate sponsor of the Red Sox. —Becky Sue Epstein The Absolut Boston Wall of Pride at Boylston Plaza at the Pru- dential Center at the Absolut Boston launch on August 26. GAIL OSKIN/WIREIMAGE