winemaker's notes:
Two Brothers Winery, a partnership between brothers Erik and Alex Bartholomaus, released their debut wine, Big Tattoo Red 2001, in autumn of 2002 as a way to raise funds for cancer research and Hospice care in memory of their mother, Liliana S. Bartholomaus.
Alex Bartholomaus, President and C.E.O. of Billington Imports in Springfield, Va., blended Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Syrah (40%) and Merlot (10%) to create this unique product. Alex then teamed up with his brother Erik, an established world-traveling tattoo artist, to design a fun label that would remind the two of their mother. Erik designed the label and they named their creation Big Tattoo Red.
Fifty cents from every bottle sold is donated to the Hospice of Arlington, Va., and other breast cancer research foundations in the name of Liliana S. Bartholomaus. The two sold 13,835 cases of the 2001 debut vintage and raised $83,010 to donate to Cancer research and support. The 2002 vintage was released in June, and the brothers are on track to sell an additional 40,000 cases and donate another $240,000 by the end of next May.
It was the Bartholomaus brothers' goal to honor their mother, who lost her battle against cancer three years ago. They wanted to do this in a non-serious yet beneficial way. This fun wine boasts a label with a Fleur de Lys, Liliana's favorite symbol, and its red and black label stands out on any retailer's shelf. This Chilean red is a ripe, easy-drinking wine with smooth flavors that compliment many foods, or can be enjoyed alone. The first release was a big success, but the popularity of this wine soared during 2003, popping up on wine shop shelves and restaurant wine lists nation wide.
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