Fall 2008 – Labouré-Roi, Burgundy’s third largest negociant, is pleased to unveil a major new eco-friendly initiative with the launch of its 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau. When the nouveau vintage is released on the third Thursday of November (as per tradition), it will feature Labouré-Roi’s two-pronged approach to minimizing impact on the environment.

1. Labouré-Roi Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 will be packaged in a lightweight PET plastic bottle (750 ml) to help lower the winery’s carbon footprint during transportation.

2. Introduction of the “One More Tree” campaign helps aid the UNEP’s (United Nations Environment Programme) worldwide Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign to help fight climate change and restore the earth’s ecosystems. For each bottle purchased, one tree will be planted in Mali, the seventh largest country in Africa, and also one of the poorest. It is one of the few areas within the great continent with a lush agriculture maintained by the health of the bordering Niger River. Replenishing this much-needed vegetation will maintain the surrounding ecosystem for decades to come and help understand the link between poverty and environment.

This initiative could not have been completed without the inspiration of 1% for the Planet, an organization which recognizes companies who contribute at least 1% of sales to environmental groups around the world.

Established in 1832, Labouré-Roi today is shaking up the status quo within the timeless world of Burgundy winemaking. The catalyst for change at this historic producer is a youthful, dynamic team led by C.E.O. Olivier Martin, who joined Labouré-Roi in 2003, and lead winemaker Thomas Leclere.

Located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, the Labouré-Roi winemaking facility is one of the more technically-advanced wineries in Burgundy. With a cellaring capacity of 2,000 barrels, the winery supplements the house’s impressive historic cellars. Dating back to the 16th century, the ancient cellars are still used today for the storage and aging of select bottles.