FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 12, 2004
Contact: Tom Uribes (559) 278-5366 or 246-1717

French Tradition ‘Le Vin Nouveau’ Hits Fresno
State Nov. 18 – First 2004 Wines to Be Released

The Le Vin Nouveau wine tasting – honoring a French tradition and featuring a food pairing demonstration with renowned Executive Chef Frederick Clabaugh of the Tenaya Lodge Yosemite and university winemaster Ken Fugelsang -- will be held on Thursday, Nov. 18, in the Fresno State Winery from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The university’s viticulture and enology program – the only one in the nation bonded to operate a commercial winery – will also release its three new Nouveau style wines, the first wines of Fresno State’s 2004 vintage, with samples available for tasting at Le Vin Nouveau.
The exclusive event – one of many presented by California State University, Fresno‘s viticulture and enology programs to provide the public a glimpse at its award-winning wine program – brings to Central California the widely celebrated French ritual.

“According to tradition, at one minute after midnight on the third Thursday of each November, winemakers from villages in France release their first vintage of the year, Beaujolais Nouveau, with much fanfare,” said Fugelsang, whose expertise has become widely acclaimed in the enology field both nationally and in Europe.

“More than 65 million bottles of this wine are shipped throughout the world. It’s a highly anticipated tradition in France," he said.

Fugelsang and winemaker John Giannini have re-created a festive and tradition-rich ambience for their enology students as part of providing a better understanding of the art of winemaking throughout the world.

“Like our French counterparts, Fresno State’s enology students will be much like Santa’s elves, preparing for the arrival of November 18th when the winery releases its first wines of the season,” Fugelsang said. “It’s an exciting time and a valuable learning tool especially because of the unique style of winemaking involved.”

He said the Nouveau style of whole berry fermentation creates a wine designed to be immediately enjoyed, not left on the shelf.

“Nouveau wines are great for holiday celebrations,” Fugelsang said.

He added that there will be something for everyone at Le Vin Nouveau where participants can learn about wine, food and wine pairing, holiday ideas on gift-giving, wines to serve and food to prepare.

Executive Chef Frederick Clabaugh of the Tenaya Lodge Yosemite will be in town to provide the food and wine pairing demo which will be a sneak peak of what is to come at another upcoming event for food and wine enthusiasts -- the Fresno State Winemaster’s Weekend March 4 -6, 2005 at the Tenaya. (For one- and two-night reservation packages for that event call the Tenaya Lodge toll free 877 635-5807 or watch for more details at www.FresnoStateNews.com).

At Le Vin Nouveau on Nov. 18, the $10 admission includes three tastes of wine and hors d' oeuvres, and a special sampling of wines to be released in the near future. Special discounts on wine purchases, including select wine gift packages for the holidays, will be available.
A $5 discount on admission is available to Fresno State faculty, staff and students, members of the Fresno State Alumni Association and the Fresno State Wine Club by presenting university ID or a membership card.

Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. (No children please).

For more information, call (559) 278-2089 or visit http://cast.csufresno.edu/ve/veevents/. University wines may also be purchased online at www.FresnoStateWinery.com.

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