Bodega Valentin Bianchi Brings “Leo” Messi Wines To The US

PROFITS FROM THE PURCHASE OF THE TWO RED MALBECS AND WHITE TORRONTES WILL BE DONATED TO THE LEO MESSI FOUNDATION
In the world of “futbol,” as the sport of soccer is known in every country except the United States, Lionel (Leo) Messi (below), the Argentine-born soccer superstar, is considered the “best of the best” on the field, especially after winning a record five “World Player of the Year” titles.

He has the same reputation off the field because of his charity work, especially for his youngest fans. In 2008, he started the Leo Messi Foundation, which has worked tirelessly to forward its mission to help at-risk children and adolescents.

It is in cooperation with his Foundation that Bodega Valentin Bianchi, one of Argentina’s oldest and best-known family-owned wine companies, debuts its LEO label in the United States. The two reds, a Malbec and a Premium Malbec, will be available in major markets around the country starting in October, with a white Torrontes coming in early 2014. The label and the wines were first introduced in Argentina and Europe in 2012, with profits from the wines being donated to the Leo Messi Foundation.

According to Raul Bianchi, co-owner with his family of Valentin Bianchi, “This venture is collaborating with the Leo Messi Foundation in order to continue creating projects focused on infant health and education, as well as establishing sporting activity as a key part of the fight against poverty and vulnerability.”

Etched on a black glass bottle, the image of Leo’s white jersey stands out as the front label for LEO Malbec ($16.99), with the wine inside 100% Malbec from Bianchi’s Estate vineyards in the San Rafael district in the southernmost part of the famed Mendoza wine region. The LEO Torrontes ($16.99), 100% its varietal from the aforementioned Bianchi vineyards, will be in a clear bottle with the same soccer shirt from the LEO Malbec bottle; this time in black.

The LEO Premium Malbec ($29.99), with a cut-out image of a soccer ball against the black glass bottle, also is “100% Malbec” that spends a year ageing in a combination of French and American oak, with an additional six months bottle ageing before release. Valentin Bianchi’s LEO wines are sure to be winners among soccer fans, especially as unique gifts during the upcoming holiday season and in anticipation of 2014’s World Cup games.

Pernod Absinthe Announces Return To Original Recipe Recreated Using Original Formula From Records Dating Back To 1800s

Pernod Absinthe, the first-ever absinthe commercially produced and sold, announced the re-launch of its original formula. Available on- and off-premise in October 2013, the change marks a new chapter in the brand’s storied history. The formula was developed during a two-year process using the few remaining records of how Pernod Absinthe was made in the 1800s. Since the 1912 ban on absinthe in the United States was lifted in 2007, Pernod Absinthe has been at the forefront of the spirit’s renaissance. With the re-introduction of the Original Formula, Pernod again takes its rightful

Pernod Absinthe

place as the most authentic and original absinthe on the market.

Absinthe is officially defined as a high-proof spirit containing wormwood. Distillers often use other herbs and spices as well, green anise and fennel being the most common additions. Pernod Absinthe is flavored with a carefully balanced bouquet of herbs, including Melissa, hyssop, Pontique wormwood, fennel and star anise, and is made in small batches in a copper still in its new distillery in Thuir, located in the South of France. The distillery will also serve as the new “Brand Home,” where bartenders and brand enthusiasts can visit to learn more about the brand and develop new cocktails.

The recipe change features three marked differences. First, the base spirit will shift from a neutral grain to a neutral wine spirit, staying true to the traditional and most authentic way of making absinthe. Grapes are sourced from Region 5 “Languedoc” as noted in the original manuscript. Next, the grande wormwood, the key element to creating absinthe, will be cultivated in Pontarlier, France, the historical home of Pernod Absinthe where the original factory was founded in 1805. Lastly, the spirit will be colored naturally through maceration of green nettles, instead of added dyes and artificial colors.

“Pernod Absinthe has a rich history that helped shape an era, and a return to the original Pernod Absinthe formula marks a historic time for both the brand and its heralded past,” says Clare Kanter, VP, Category Marketing (Gin, Tequila & Exports) at Pernod Ricard USA. “As we pay homage to the brand’s past, we look forward to introducing Pernod Absinthe for the world to enjoy as it once did.”

In France, at the turn of the 19th Century, Pernod Absinthe was the aperitif of choice. The creative community of painters, writers and philosophers, in particular, savored the tradition of long evenings spent conversing over a glass of absinthe. By the middle of the 19th Century, it was standard practice to celebrate the hour just before dusk by enjoying a Pernod Absinthe cocktail with friends. This ritual became so popular it was simply known as “The Green Hour.” The trend also crossed the Atlantic, and American bartenders began creating cocktails with Pernod Absinthe that are still classics today, like the Corpse Reviver #2 and Death in the Afternoon.

Wilton Celebrates 85 Years of Making Cake Decorating Easy

The Wilton Method(TM) Classes Available Online for the First Time

Wilton Enterprises (www.wilton.com), the leader in cake decorating inspiration, instruction and products, is celebrating 85 years of making it easy to create amazing cakes and charming sweet treats. The Wilton story began in 1929 with one man’s passion and talent for making confectionery art, and resulted in a method of dessert decorating that today has benefited millions of people. Over the past eight decades, the Wilton Method of Cake Decorating has transformed how America decorates. The method is based on techniques from European pastry chefs, but with a simplified approach that blends efficiency and creativity so gorgeous cake and dessert making is available to everyone. Wilton has a rich history of teaching Americans how to create amazing desserts.

The history of the company includes the following highpoints and highlights:

— 1920’s & 1930’s: Dewey McKinley Wilton founded the Wilton School of Cake Decorating, traveling across the country to teach chefs, caterers and bakers new confectionery and decorating techniques.

— 1940’s: As World War II Veterans, including Dewey’s son Norman, returned home without jobs, the Wilton family opened The Wilton School of Cake Decorating out of their home to teach decorating skills to Veterans.

—  By 1948, there were more than 250,000 male bakery workers in the US, up from approximately 70,000 in 1940.

— 1950’s: With the rise of the traditional American Homemaker, the Wilton family, now Wilton Enterprises, launched their initial product catalog that offered cake decorating tools to the masses for the first time. Buttercream became the favored decorating medium replacing jams, fruits and cardboard cutouts of the 40’s.

—  1970’s: Shopping malls became a permanent fixture in American life, and Wilton started offering demonstrations in

Wilton Enterprises celebrates 85 years of making it easy to make sweet treats! (PRNewsFoto/Wilton Enterprises)

kiosks. The popularity resulted in classes being taught in retail stores across the country.

— 1980’s & 1990’s: The Wilton School of Cake Decorating continued to grow and moved locations to accommodate more students, as well as offer international classes. The Wilton website launched, making the company’s tools, instruction and inspiration available to a mass audience.

— 2000’s – Present: The Wilton Method of Cake Decorating is offered in more than 3,000 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as hundreds of stores internationally. More than 400,000 people learn The Wilton Method each year.

 

“Wilton’s history started with Dewey McKinley Wilton, a man from modest beginnings who turned his talent for confectionery art into an opportunity to teach people a simple way to decorate beautifully,” says Eric Erwin, Chief Marketing Officer at Wilton. “The Wilton Method classes began out of Dewey’s home 85 years ago, then expanded to department stores and retail locations across the country, and now anyone can learn in the comfort of their own homes.”

Connecting with Wilton is easier than ever with social media channels, and the Wilton Cake Ideas & More App. For the first time, Wilton is delivering The Wilton Method of baking and decorating classes via Craftsy – an online community of two million ‘makers’ –  to further the company’s commitment to “reaching everyone, everywhere.” Baking and cake decorating enthusiasts can now access Wilton classes on any computer or mobile device, following along at their own pace with the ability to review material as many times as necessary. During the classes, students can ask the instructor questions, upload photos, participate in discussions and access supporting materials.

Pepsi Builds Global Football Excitement for 2014 World Cup Soccer Tournament with New Leo Messi Campaign That Sets Off “Can Trick” Around the World

Pepsi is building global excitement for a yearlong football platform with the launch of a new campaign, “The Trick,” starring four-time “FIFA World Player of the Year” Leo Messi, #10.

Pepsi Builds Global Football Excitement for 2014 With New Leo Messi Campaign That Sets Off Can Trick Around The World. (PRNewsFoto/PepsiCo)

The fast-paced 30-second TV spot opens on Messi performing a fancy footwork trick with an iconic can of Pepsi. Football enthusiasts around the world attempt to replicate Messi’s Pepsi can trick with their own personalization, evolution and varied level of success – all set to a frenetic, energetic backbeat that keeps the momentum, enthusiasm and level of competition going.

“Tricks with a football are hard and tricks with a can are harder,” said Messi. “It’s an honor to partner with Pepsi to bring this campaign to life and literally kick-off what promises to be an exciting, passionate year around football.”

“The Trick” is the latest installment and interpretation of Pepsi’s “Capture the Excitement of Now” global brand spirit and “Live for Now” campaign, which inspires fans around the world to embrace the moment with their passion for the game of football. Shot over two days on location in Barcelona, Spain by 180 LA, the spot was directed by Laurent Chanez and will launch globally on Pepsi’s digital platforms and air in select cities beginning October 10th.

PepsiCo logo. (PRNewsFoto/PepsiCo)

“Next year will be an incredible year for football and for football fans everywhere, and what better way to lead into it than to see if we can start building the fun, excitement and a little spirit of competition – all instigated by the iconic can of Pepsi,” said Kristin Patrick, Senior Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Pepsi.

Leo Messi has been a Pepsi Global Ambassador since 2006 and is the only football player in history who has won four consecutive FIFA Player of the Year awards and the only football player with more than 100 records. Messi is also very committed to bettering the world with his own foundation, the Leo Messi Foundation. Since 2007, the foundation, not only in Argentina and Spain, but also abroad and together with other institutions has developed projects in alignment with the ideals of Education and Health Care (mainly focused on childhood cancer treatment, Malaria and “Mal de Chagas” illness).

To find out more about Pepsi’s 2013 campaign starring Leo Messi, visit www.youtube.com/pepsi and www.pepsi.com.

The New Nikon D610 Brings The Full-Frame Experience In The Smallest And Lightest Form Factor

The all-new D610 is Nikon’s smallest and lightest full-frame format D-SLR to date (1), with a compact form factor power-packed with intuitive features to meet the top image quality and practical demands of professional photographers and everyday users alike. (1*- Among Nikon D-SLRs available as of September 24, 2013.)

The New Nikon D610 Brings the Full-Frame Experience in the Smallest and Lightest Form Factor

Nikon Singapore Pte Ltd is pleased to announce the release of the D610, a portable FX-format camera designed to meet the everyday demands of professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. Catered for users who are new to the FX-format, the D610 is equipped with exclusive first-rate Nikon technology, including a 24.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 3 image processing engine, along with an ISO range of 100 to 6400 (expandable from 50 to 25,600), to deliver exceptional image quality.

Designed for portability and built for superior performance, the compact D610 is easy to use and offers a host of extensive features.

“The new Nikon D610 bridges the gap for photographers who are looking to take advantage of the advanced imaging capabilities that only the FX-format can offer, without having to compromise on the form factor,” said Uemura Kimito, General Manager, International Marketing Division,

The D610 features an improved shutter release mode that allows for an uninterrupted stream of images at approximately 6 frames per second2 and introduces new innovations such as the Quiet Continuous shutter release mode for near-silent shooting. For greater versatility, the D610 is compatible with an expanding line-up of accessories including the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1b for wireless connectivity and range of Speedlights. (*2 – Measured in accordance with CIPA guidelines.)

Weighing in at approximately 760 grams, the compact and lightweight D610 is an ideal choice for day-to-day photography. The camera is also extremely durable and is designed for a variety of shooting conditions, with various points of the body sealed for dust prevention and weather-resistant performance.

 

Photographers will appreciate the additional features on the D610, such as the optical viewfinder that provides 100% frame coverage for composing images. The large 3.2-inch 921K-dot LCD screen makes it easy to preview images or videos, as well as featuring an automatic brightness control that adapts seamlessly to changing lighting conditions. Users can sharpen and tweak the brightness and contrast of their images via a dedicated button for one-touch access to the Picture Control function. The Scene Recognition System utilizes a 2,016-pixel RGB sensor and the 24.3-million pixel image sensor to accurately adjust focus, exposure and white balance. Photographers can also take advantage of the D610’s improved Auto White Balance Control System to produce true-to-life colors in photographs.

Whisky Fans Chose Name Of New Single Malt Scotch Whisky In Second Phase Of Glenmorangie Cask Masters

GLENMORANGIE’S CASK MASTERS PROGRAM GIVES ENTHUSIASTS THE CHANCE TO HELP CREATE A NEW SINGLE MALT FROM SELECTING AND NAMING THE WHISKY, TO DESIGNING THE PACKAGING AND EVEN INFLUENCING THE LAUNCH EVENT

AFTER CONSUMERS CHOSE THE CASK DURING STAGE ONE, GLENMORANGIE WHISKY FANS HAVE SELECTED THE NAME Taghta (Tag-Ta), GAELIC FOR CHOSEN

Glenmorangie’s Cask Masters program gives enthusiasts the chance to help create a new Single Malt from selecting and naming the whisky, to designing the packaging and even influencing the launch event. (PRNewsFoto/Glenmorangie)

Whisky fans worldwide, for the first time ever, have chosen the name of a new Glenmorangie Single Malt. This new Single Malt Scotch Whisky – which has spent a number of years extra-maturing in exclusive Manzanilla sherry casks –was selected by the public when three casks were put to a vote earlier this year. At each stage participants will also be able to win prestigious prizes including a VIP visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery and a trip to the country of origin of the oak cask in which the winning whisky has been matured.

Scotland’s favorite malt whisky producer received thousands of suggestions, which were whittled down to a shortlist of three and put to an online vote. The winner was Taghta (tag-ta), Gaelic* for Chosen. With this name, Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the 16 Men of Tain. The distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in the whisky industry, uniting tradition with innovation. Awarded the prestigious title of “Distiller of the Year” by the International Wine & Spirits Competition this year, Glenmorangie has also consistently won more “Gold Best in Class” medals than any other single malt over the past six years. (PRNewsFoto/Glenmorangie)

continues to maintain links with its Gaelic heritage in the many steps of the whisky creation process. Many of Glenmorangie’s finest whiskies boast Gaelic names while Glenmorangie itself famously means “Valley of Tranquility“, while within the exclusive Private Edition range of whiskies, they have selected names to reflect each expression, with Artein meaning ‘Stone,’ and Finealta meaning ‘Elegant.’ During the later stages of the Cask Masters program experts will also offer their guidance on the photography and launch suggestions received from whisky fans.

Glenmorangie’s Cask Masters (www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters) is a unique whisky creation program which aims to get consumers involved in the whisky-making process. It was launched on March 1 ^st, 2013 and will run for 18 months with the new limited edition Glenmorangie whisky ready for release in fall 2014. The Cask Masters program is currently in stage three, where consumers can upload pictures and ideas to an online gallery to inspire the packaging of the new Limited Edition Taghta Single Malt Whisky.

Working with packaging expert Jon Davies from leading London design agency Butterfly Cannon, Glenmorangie will then create three designs which again will be put to a public vote. Prizes are given out at each stage and the winner of phase 3 will receive a 21.5″ iMac i5. Whisky fans can take part by logging on to www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters

Cask Masters is being overseen by Glenmorangie’s Dr. Bill Lumsden, together with an expert in every field of the five-step process.

Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation at the Glenmorangie Company said: “This name truly resonates and I don’t think we could have done any better if we’d chosen it ourselves! Glenmorangie has already taken inspiration from Gaelic for the names of some of its most famous creations and we are delighted that this unique whisky has such an intriguing name.”

Maxime Balay, Glenmorangie Brand Director, said: “We have always been at the forefront of innovation regarding our whisky creation so now we are simply leveraging crowd sourcing’s immense capabilities to make it more accessible for our consumers. Instead of keeping the whisky creation process behind closed doors, Cask Masters allows us to harness the enthusiasm and passion of our Glenmorangie aficionados and reward them with an insiders’ pass to the lengths we go to craft our whisky.”

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create ‘unnecessarily well made whiskies.’

Nickelodeon Greenlights Second Season of Hit Animated Preschool Series Peter Rabbit

New Halloween-Themed Peter Rabbit Episode Debuts Friday, Oct. 25, at 1:30 P.M. (ET/PT)

Nickelodeon and independent media company Silvergate Media announced the greenlight of a second season (26 episodes, two half-hour specials) of the hit animated preschool series Peter Rabbit.  Launched on Nick in December 2012, Peter Rabbit is based on the characters created by Beatrix Potter in her classic children’s series The Tales of Peter Rabbit.  Peter Rabbit is produced in conjunction with Silvergate Media and animated by Brown Bag Films.

NICKELODEON GREENLIGHTS SECOND SEASON OF HIT ANIMATED PRESCHOOL SERIES PETER RABBIT. (PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon)

The second season will continue to follow the adventures of mischievous Peter Rabbit and his best friends Benjamin Bunny and Lily Bobtail, as well as many of the much-loved and iconic Beatrix Potter characters, including Squirrel Nutkin, Jeremy Fisher and Mr. Tod. Season two will see the addition of Mittens the cat, Pig Robinson, and Mr. Tolly the tortoise, along with an expanded animated world for Peter and his friends to explore.

“Peter Rabbit has captured the hearts of preschoolers and parents because of the series’ rich stories, loveable characters and stunning animation,” said Teri Weiss, EVP, Production and Development, Nickelodeon Preschool.  “We are excited about continuing our partnership with Silvergate Media on creating this dynamic series that champions determination, discovery and being a good friend.”

Mary Durkan, CEO of Silvergate Media, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Nickelodeon to develop season two of the new Peter Rabbit. Nickelodeon is a fantastic partner and we look forward to continuing the journey of Peter Rabbit with them.”

A brand-new episode of Peter Rabbit, “The Tale of the Giant Pumpkin/The Tale of the Fierce Bad Rabbit,” will premiere Friday, Oct. 25, at 1:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Peter Rabbit reached 6.3 million preschoolers in third quarter 2013.

In “The Tale of the Giant Pumpkin,” Peter sets his sights on the biggest pumpkin in Mr. McGregor’s patch, rolling it out of the garden turns into the ride of a lifetime.  In “The Tale of the Fierce Bad Rabbit,” Peter and his friends set out to taste the sweetest dandelions in the world, only to find they’re protected by the meanest character in the entire valley!

On www.NickJr.com, Nickelodeon’s award-winning website, parents and preschoolers can watch full-length episodes of Peter Rabbit, print Peter Rabbit activities and play free games including the all-new Nutkin’s Nut Catch! game. Coming soon to the site is a Photo Booth application, where kids can customize and decorate photos with Peter Rabbit characters, borders, seasonal stickers, and more.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit, written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, was the first in the series to be published by Frederick Warne (1902) and it went on to become one of the best-selling children’s classics of all time. The Tale of Peter Rabbit has never been out of print and is translated into over 35 languages throughout the world. Beatrix Potter’s Classic Tales have delighted children for more than 100 years. Today a wide range of books are published by Frederick Warne under the Beatrix Potter brand, including gift books, storybooks, novelty books and the original classics. Lifetime global sales of the Beatrix Potter books exceed 250 million and over two million books are sold every year worldwide – which is four books every minute.