PURCHASE, N.Y., March 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Campo Viejo, Rioja's largest wine producer, is challenging amateur culinarians to submit the results of their countless hours in the kitchen, and to illustrate that innovative cuisine is not exclusively the province of reality show-ready industrial kitchens. The Color Me Uncorked Challenge encourages food and wine lovers to exercise their creativity and culinary skills to create a colorful, original, Campo Viejo-inspired dish for the opportunity to experience a four course meal and host an at-home dinner party for 10 with critically acclaimed Chef Anthony Sasso from New York City.
The judging process will begin with Campo Viejo Assistant Winemaker Roberto Vicente selecting the top 10 recipes based on presentation, compatibility with Campo Viejo wines and the incorporation of Campo Viejo's colors and flavors. The 10 finalists will be narrowed down to one deserving winner by an online public vote.
"Campo Viejo is deeply rooted in its home of Spain, and carries in each bottle the idea of a life lived fully and passionately," says Vicente. "It's part of our culture to build meals around the wines we will be sharing. We're thrilled to see how people capture the spirit of Campo Viejo in their kitchens."
Campo Viejo is a versatile, food-friendly wine that celebrates quality and vibrancy in all aspects of life, from memorable experiences for the senses to lively conversations at the dinner table. The innovative winery wants to see how fans and connoisseurs are living these values and sharing the joy of good food and fine wine with their friends and families.
The recipes should include, and be inspired by, the colors and flavors of a Campo Viejo wine, as demonstrated in the color wheels found on the official Color Me Uncorked contest page. Participants must also submit a photograph of the prepared dish and a short description of whom they share the food with and why that experience of conviviality is important to them.
To enter Campo Viejo's Color Me Uncorked Challenge, participants may visit the Color Me Uncorked page at www.facebook.com/CampoViejoWine to submit their original recipe, photograph and short description by April 9, 2012 (11:59:59 PM EST). For more information on Campo Viejo, please visit www.campoviejo.com.
About Campo Viejo
The origins of Bodegas Campo Viejo date back to 1959, when two venerable Rioja wine cellars, Beristain y Ortigüela, joined forces to create Bodegas Campo Viejo. Initially, the bodega was located in Aldeanueva de Ebro. Adjacent to the bodega, the presence of an ancient vineyard inspired the winemakers to name the winery Campo Viejo, or "Old Field." Growing consumer demand for Campo Viejo wine necessitated a move to the new cellar in Logroño.
This new location, situated on a 270-acre estate, is named the Juan Alcorta winery in honor of its founder, and has been part of the history of La Rioja since it was founded in 1967. The old Campo Viejo wine cellar has given way to the Juan Alcorta Bodega, designed by Ignacio Quemada, which is currently one of the most modern and advanced wineries in the world.
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard USA® is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group.
In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.
The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country.
Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.com.
CONTACT:
Morgan Perry; The Thomas Collective
212-229-2294
mperry@thethomascollective.com
Krista Drew; Pernod Ricard USA
914-848-4743
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