As managing editor of The Boisset Family Estates winery is making a big deal out of its decision to package all of its Beaujolais Nouveau being imported into the United States in PET bottles. Never mind the glass bottle shortage in France -- this is all about sustainability.
"It is critical in today’s time, with the scarcity of our planet’s resources and the known environmental impacts of human activity, that we consider whether we should still ship thousands of cases of wine in heavy bottles via air throughout the world in order for the wines to arrive on time for their annual release date in November, when we can reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by more than half through a responsible choice of packaging," said President Jean-Charles Boisset, in a news release.
"Were all of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau imported to North America similarly packaged in PET or other alternative packages, we estimate saving literally millions of pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from entering our atmosphere," he added -- and estimated 37,000,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.
Consumers will share in the benefits. The company expects its freight costs will be 33 percent lower, and "This savings will be directly passed on to the consumer," Boisset said. Instead of $13.99 to $14.99 per bottle, the wines will retail for $12.99.
I have a feeling U.S. consumers are ready for Beaujolais in PET -- after all, they've already accepted "Two Buck Chuck."