NEW YORK, January 9, 2013 – Gay Americans can raise their glasses higher in 2013 as Égalité came out today as the first wine created in support of Equality.

“With same-sex marriage now legal in states from Maine to New York and Iowa to Washington, this is a time to recognize the hard-earned progress that has been made in pursuit of Equality,” 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 love, marriage and now Equality 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 gay Americans.

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.

“Égalité is an exceptional, elegant wine that will appeal not only to gay Americans, but to all supporters of Equality with discerning taste,” added Restivo.

No celebration is complete without a great sparkling wine. And as the first wine specially created as a tribute to Equality, Égalité is the perfect touch for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, galas, and all celebrations.

The Égalité concept is a product of exhaustive research by Biagio Cru, as well as input from the gay community. Its name and label were developed through a focus group that brought together gay and straight participants with diverse backgrounds, including leaders in the fight for same-sex marriage.

Égalité will be available nationwide beginning this month and has a suggested retail price of $23.99.

In celebration of its launch, Égalité will make a contribution of $1000 each to The Trevor Project, The Ali Forney Center, Equality Maine, Center on Halsted and the GLSEN. Additionally, for every bot

tle of Égalité sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth conquer life’s challenges.

To request a sample, or for additional information, please contact Tom Corsillo of The Marino Organization at 212.889.0808 or tom@themarino.org.

Connect with Égalité at www.egalitewines.com, or on Facebook or Twitter.

About Biagio Cru and Estate Wines

Based in Roslyn Heights, NY, Biagio Cru is an importer of fine wines from across the globe, including the popular Restivo and Biagio lines.

In 2012, Wine Enthusiast rated Restivo 2010 Reserve Malbec 90 points and named the wine among the year’s Top 100 Best Buys. Restivo 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012 earned an 89-point rating from Wine Spectator.

Biagio’s stable of products also includes Lolailo Sangria, one of the best-selling sangrias in the United States.