JT Wines Launches New Line of High Quality Wines Packaged in Quick-Chill and 100% Recyclable Aluminum Bottles

With initial Chardonnay and Merlot varietals hailing from California’s prominent Central Coast, FLASQ offers an innovative, socially responsible and exuberant approach to the enjoyment of wine.

1/7/2011 --- FLASQ Wines is the first domestic wine sold in quick-chilling and 100% recyclable, aluminum bottles. With Chardonnay and Merlot varietals hailing from California’s prominent Central Coast, FLASQ offers a creative, socially responsible and exuberant approach to the enjoyment of wine. It’s great wine, any time.

Leveraging JT Wines’ experience in bottling and distributing exclusive wines in Napa Valley, FLASQ promises quality wines in specially-coated aluminum half-bottles, which are quick-chilling and 100% recyclable. FLASQ appeals to drinking-age Millennials, Generation Xers and Baby Boomers with active lifestyles, who desire convenient and portable packaging – all with a modern flair. With initial Chardonnay and Merlot varietals hailing from California’s prominent Central Coast, FLASQ offers an innovative, socially responsible and exuberant approach to the enjoyment of wine. FLASQ is attractively priced at $5.99-$7.99, rivaling wines sold at twice the price.

Compared to glass and plastic, what are the benefits to bottling wine in aluminum? There are many advantages, whether for the convenience of the wine drinker or the merchant:

* Produced in the U.S., FLASQ bottles are made of 99.7% aluminum
* Each is a 375ml demi-bottle (comprised of two generous glasses), eliminating costly over- pours when selling wine by the glass
* Chills five times faster than glass bottles, and stays cold longer
* Offers shatter-proof packaging
* Taste is preserved from barrel to consumption. Bottles are coated with a liner to prevent contact with the wine and aluminum
* Non-transparent packaging prevents “light-shock”
* Wide mouth, aluminum screw cap opening allows additional aeration when drinking from the container, while preventing oxidation and maintaining freshness

“As a third-generation Napa Valley resident, I believe FLASQ is a long-awaited innovation introducing premium wines to a new audience, and into venues where wine sales were previously hindered,” said Tim McDonald, co-founder and CEO of JT Wines. “With the convenience of quick-chilling, portable and shatter-proof materials, coated aluminum bottles spoke loud and clear to us. As we launch with distribution in 20 states and several more on deck consumers, retailers, hoteliers and food service providers will benefit from this unique product, and the fun lifestyle it represents.”

JT Wines places great importance on being an environmental steward. Aluminum bottles and screw caps are utilized for the company’s FLASQ product line as they are 100% recyclable. In the U.S., aluminum is recycled at a rate of 50%, compared to plastic and glass, which is reprocessed at under 25%. Additionally, compared to glass, the carbon footprint of aluminum bottles is reduced by 35% due to a lighter case weight in shipping.

JT Wines’ consultant, Jamey Whetstone, known for his Manifesto! and Whetstone labels, said, “The wines are purposefully a user-friendly style, and yet are very character driven. They can be enjoyed on their own while tailgating, boating, surfing or on the golf course, or when paired with something off the grill or from the oven.”

“The 2009 Merlot from San Luis Obispo County is killer for a lot of reasons,” continued Whetstone. “It has a big fruit center with a real ripe blackberry or cherry brightness about it. And it has a great food marrying acidity, which I really like.”