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Video Clip of Forbes.com Interview with
Lorraine about her wine business FDNY charity grilloff hosted by Gallagher's Steak House in midtown -- June 21, 2007
"Sopranos" star Lorraine Bracco was also on hand to help
pour "Sopranos" star Lorraine Bracco, who owns Bracco wines,
Click on the link above to read the entire article Firefighters take part in steak cooking contest for charity Excerpt -- Wednesday, June 27, 2007 -- By MAURA GRUNLUND STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York City firefighters had a real steak in a benefit cook-off which featured a surprise appearance by "The Sopranos" star Lorraine Bracco at Gallagher's Steak House in Manhattan. LIKE A FAMILY "I am so impressed," said Ms. Bracco as she posed for photos with the firefighters. When one of the firefighters predicted he would have nightmares from all media's flashing cameras during the cook-off, Ms. Bracco laughingly replied, "Get used to it!" The TV star noted that the original plan was to send a case of Bracco family wines to the cook-off, but she decided to make a personal appearance. "All the people who work for our city make it what it is," Ms. Bracco said. "I have a lot of respect for the fire department and the police department. Anything I can do to brighten their day is a good thing." The eight vintages bottled under the Bracco label are imported from Italy. The wines, she said, are "all about family and eating well," and so are the meals shared in the firehouses. "They are a huge family," Ms. Bracco said of the firefighters. "That's a great aspect of what they do. They are a brotherhood." Click on the link above to read the entire article
Bracco Extra Virgin
Olive Oil
Isaac Mizrahi's Show Bracco Wine Tasting Events Celebrity Spirits By Danielle Sonnenberg -- TheStreet.com Staff Reporter -- 3/12/2007
Cheers to Lorraine Bracco Strike while the iron's hot -- it's a well-used expression, and one that applies to a few celebrities who have started to look beyond the stage. Two in particular have started their own unique spirit lines, and hope to capitalize on their fame by drawing in consumers to their respective brands. Lorraine Bracco, known as Dr. Jennifer Melfi on the hit show "The Sopranos," started Bracco Wines in 2005; Vince Neal, front man for the seminal '80s band Motley Crue, founded tequila line Tres Rios in 2006. But how far will name recognition take these food industry novices? Stellar Selection Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to an English mother and Italian-American father, Bracco was always around wine at large family get-togethers. Her exposure to fine wines continued in her teens and twenties while living in Europe as a model and actress for ten years. For her own label, Bracco set out in 2005 to the vineyards all over Italy, where she personally handpicked eight outstanding wines. "The more I learned, the more fascinated I became," says Bracco. Her selections included Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2004 ($13), a fruity wine produced from grapes grown in the Italian Alps; Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2002 ($13), a deep-purple vintage produced in Abruzzo; and Primitivo 2003 ($28), which consists of handpicked grapes grown in Puglia, then aged for one year in oak barrels and an additional three months in the bottle. Bracco also picked two Chianti wines: Chianti Classico 2003 ($27), which has its roots in the most prestigious area of Tuscany, and Chianti Classico Reserva, ($39), an intense wine with a spicy aroma, hailing from the village of Panzano. (There are only 10,000 bottles of this wine available in the U.S.) Also on her label is Barolo 2001 ($48), a red wine produced by blending grapes from three specially selected vineyards. It's then aged in the barrels for at least three years and then bottled for an additional three to five years (7,500 bottles available). Another careful selection is Amarone Classico ($47), an estate red wine produced from 50% Corvina, 30% Molinara and 20% Rondinella and Rossinella grape varieties (10,000 bottle available). At the recent South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Bracco hosted a private dinner at chef David Bouley's new restaurant Evolution, which featured several of her wines paired with foods prepared by Bouley -- a perfect opportunity to showcase her line. Just reading the menu of the dishes paired with Bracco's wine from the event still makes my mouth water: fresh pompano grilled with Hawaiian hearts of palm in an Alaskan snow crab sauce paired with Bracco's crisp Pinot Grigio; and Chatham lobster with her robust Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, which is the perfect accompaniment for poultry and game. Organic Randall Farm veal was served with rich gorgonzola gnocchi and tomato-coriander sauce and paired with her elegant Chianti Classico 2003; finally, braised beef cheeks were accompanied by a bold Chianti Classico Reserva 2001. Bracco also led a general seminar for festival-goers at the Grand Tasting Village. Chef Michael D'Andrea of Macaluso's Restaurant seminar cooked dishes which included braciola -- a thinly sliced meat cutlet -- which Bracco paired with her Amarone Classico 2001. All her picks showed that Bracco has clearly studied much more than just acting. Although she made it seem effortless at the festival, Bracco admits that launching her own wine label has been difficult. "It's a lot harder than I thought, [but] I have a good product that really helps me; it's coming together," she says. Being a celebrity also can help, but can have its drawbacks. "A lot of people thought it was going to just be another celebrity wine, but once they tasted ... everyone [was] very surprised," Bracco explains. And there may be plans to branch out even further within the next few years, into her own vineyard. Bracco says that when she was in Italy, she was keeping her eyes open for real estate. But "it would never be a huge vineyard. ... I am not going to be buying several thousands of acres of land. I would buy a house and couple of acres," she explains. Regardless, it's safe to assume that whatever wine she ends up producing will be a star.
Downing Glasses with the Rich and Famous March 2, 2007 — The fine art of turning the grape into a fine wine has been around for centuries. But these days, the wine business is seeing many new faces. Famous figures from the gridiron to the red carpet are hoping to score big in the vineyard. "I gave up this pigskin many years ago, and now I am involved with the grape skin," said four-time Super Bowl champion Joe Montana. After visiting a Napa Valley auction, he teamed with wine master Ed Sbragia of Beringer vineyards to make their own vintage. "What made me want to get involved is not the process of making wine but the consumption side," Montana said. My wife, Jennifer, and I both love red wine. It was something that I always wanted to do," Sbragia, a wine master at Beringer for 30 years, was a fan of Montana, who made his name as a quarterback with the 49ers in nearby San Francisco. "When he came up, I was truly impressed, and finding out that he's like a real person who enjoys red wine and was impressed by what I had done, I was really humbled," Sbragia said. Their collaboration resulted in a bold red wine they named Montagia — a combination of their last names. The cabernet sells for a little less than $100. "We always have a great time with the blending. We laugh about each other's wines sometimes between the three of us — Jen, Ed and myself. I think it is just a great mix," Montana said. The Tongue and Nose of Celebrity Wine is a $24 billion a year business. Celebrity wines account for just a fraction of that. But a big name endorsement can bring a lot of attention to a label. "A lot of people when they buy wine do not have a basis for choosing it because there are so many. Maybe they never heard of it, but they might well have heard of that celebrity's last name and that's a comfort factor," said Andrea Robinson, master sommelier. The celebrity wine trend started in force at director Francis Ford Coppola's vineyard in Napa Valley. Since then, dozens of celebrities have established their own labels, from singer Bob Dylan to race-car driver Mario Andretti to actress Lorraine Bracco. Bracco's label is one of the newest, and it's getting a lot of attention. The "Sopranos" star selects her own blend. "It's not an endorsement. It's something that I own and I play a big part in. I go to Italy. I go to all different vineyards. I taste different wines and I came out with a selection," she said. Bracco hopes that shoppers will recognize her name on the label and that familiarity will make selecting a wine a little less daunting. "I mean it's all kinds of names that we can't pronounce and regions we don't know. This way it's easy and women don't have to be intimidated going into a wine shop and, hopefully, I've taken a little of the stress out of it," she said. "You know, when I first heard about celebrity wines, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. But as I tasted them I realized that so far the celebrities that are doing this have had incredible judgment and focus on quality," said Robinson.
2007 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Lorraine Bracco & David Bouley 6th Annual Food Network Wine & Food Festival -
Attend the 2007 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival—in spectacular, sizzling Miami high style. For three sun-filled days in sultry Miami, enjoy VIP treatment as you join culinary superstars, restaurateurs, and international wine and spirits producers for an epicurean bash. This exciting annual festival on Ocean Drive, in the heart of South Beach, is presented by Food & Wine magazine and Southern Wine and Spirits. Your weekend begins with a By Invitation Only registration at the fabulous Sagamore Hotel. The fun really starts with private, early access to the perennial weekend kick-off, the “Moët & Chandon BubbleQ,” where you will meet chef superstars Laurent Tourondel, Adam Perry Lang, and Chris Lilly for a zesty BBQ tasting. On Saturday, enjoy brunch with your host, Govind Armstrong, a chef’s chef among culinary masters at his restaurant Table 8. By Invitation Only has also arranged early access to the Grand Tasting, where you will gather in a private lounge for a wine-and-food tasting hosted by Verizon. Saturday night, attend a private By Invitation Only dinner, hosted by celebrity Chef David Bouley and acclaimed actress Lorraine Bracco, at Chef Bouley’s hot new Miami restaurant, Evolution. For this unforgettable evening, Chef Bouley will create a special menu showcasing his latest signature dishes, paired with Bracco Wines, Ms. Bracco’s newest endeavor. Throughout the weekend you will enjoy reserved seating at culinary demonstrations and special entrance access to the Grand Tasting Village. To commemorate your South Beach experience, take home a gift of great culinary merchandise. To make a reservation, call 1-800-321-RSVP between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. EST.
Borgata Partners With Wine Spectator to Host the Nation's Premier Celebration of Female Winemakers and Fine Cuisine ... Sopranos star and winemaker Lorraine Bracco to showcase Bracco Wines ... Flay vs. Morimoto: two of America's Iron Chefs go tocque-to-tocque in an unprecedented culinary battle ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Oct. 10 / PR Newswire / -- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (866-MYBORGATA), the East Coast's leading hotel-casino and dining destination, has partnered with Wine Spectator magazine, the foremost wine publication in North America, to host the second annual Women in Wine event at Borgata on Saturday, November 11, 2006 (doors open at 7:00 PM for regular admission; 6:00 PM for Premium Plus admission). The charity tasting event, celebrity chef cook-off and wine education forum celebrates female winemakers from around the country, offering attendees the special and rare opportunity to join some of America's most celebrated chefs and female vintners for an exclusive sampling of mouth-watering dishes and incredible wines, as well as the chance to learn techniques for tasting, selecting and storing wines. This exciting event will feature 22 winemakers and nine chefs, a celebrity chef cook-off between Iron Chefs Bobby Flay and Masaharu Morimoto hosted by Emmy-nominated ABC 7 news anchor Lauren Glassberg, and both live and silent auctions. Special celebrity guest for the evening is female winemaker and actress Lorraine Bracco, whose film and television credits include The Sopranos, GoodFellas and The Graduate. At Women in Wine, Bracco will showcase her vineyard and new label, Bracco Wines. Hosts for the event are Anjoleena Griffin-Holst, Borgata Wine Director, and wine consultant Inez Rubistello, prominent female sommeliers who practice the philosophy that wine should be fun, not intimidating. One of the highlights of the evening will be the first-ever cook-off between two of Food Network's celebrated Iron Chefs. Food Network star and Borgata chef Bobby Flay will battle Nobu-alumnus and fellow Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto in a "mystery bag cook-off" hosted by ABC anchor Lauren Glassberg and judged by Iron Palate Karine Bakhoum, one of the Food Network's most recognized judges on "Iron Chef America" and President of KB Network News, and "Iron Chef America" producer Bruce Seidel, among others. "Borgata could not be more proud of the women honored at Women in Wine. We truly feel that these female winemakers are stars within their industry, and that their contributions are shaping the future of American wine," says Victor Tiffany, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Borgata. "Exceptional wines and unparalleled cuisine have become synonymous with Borgata since our opening. The featured chefs and vintners at this event are at the forefront of creating a better dining experience in Atlantic City and across the United States." Only recently have women begun to make their mark in the world of wine. Women in Wine honors the trailblazing women who now run vineyards, hold the keys to major cellars and are shaping the future of wine. Female winemakers and vintners participating in Women in Wine include Jean Arnold (Hanzell Vineyards, Sonoma, CA), Judy Beardsall (Ananda di Toscana, New York, NY), Lorraine Bracco (Maison Jomere, Plaistow, NH), Gay Callan (Chatom Vineyards, Murphys, CA), Rhonda Carano (Ferrari-Carano, Healdsburg, CA), Morgan Clendenen (Cold Heaven, Los Olivos, CA), Jane Delaney (The Ravensvale Group, Australia), Elizabeth Grant Douglas (La Crema Winery, Windsor, CA), Patti Hoffman (Spellbound Wines, Napa, CA), Violet Grgich (Grgich Hills Cellar, Rutherford, CA), Merry Edwards (Meredith Vineyard Estate, Russian River Valley, Windsor, CA), Joan Flowers (Flowers Vineyard & Winery, Cazadero, CA), Gina Gallo (Gallo of Sonoma Winery, Healdsburg, CA), Jennifer Higgins (Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery, Healdsburg, CA), Patricia Kluge (The Kluge Estate & Winery, Charlottesville, VA), Anne Moses (Patz and Hall, Napa, CA), Gabriela Negrete (Montes Winery, Woodland Hills, CA), Dr. Sua Newton (Newton Vineyards, St. Helena, CA), Claude de Nicolay (Domaine Chandon de Brailles, Burgundy, France), Susie Selby (Selby Winery, Healdsburg, CA), Joy Sterling (Iron Horse Vineyards, Sebastopol, CA) and Margi Wierenga (Brogan Cellars, Healdsburg, CA). Borgata chefs Bobby Flay of Bobby Flay Steak, Michael Mina of SEABLUE, A Michael Mina Restaurant, Wolfgang Puck of Wolfgang Puck American Grille, Susanna Foo of Suilan by Susanna Foo, Luke Palladino of Specchio and Ombra, Romeo DiBona of Old Homestead Steakhouse, Borgata Executive Chef Ron Ross and Borgata Executive Pastry Chef Thaddeus DuBois will be preparing signature menu items and mingling with guests. Women in Wine is a charity event, and proceeds from ticket sales, and live and silent auctions will be donated through the Borgata Heart and Soul Foundation to Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the Atlantic County Women's Center in New Jersey, two worthy charities focusing on the health and KB Network News well-being of women in Atlantic City and across the nation. Appraiser and popular culture historian Elyse Luray, a host of the popular PBS program "History Detectives," will conduct the live auction, which will feature several enticing culinary and travel items. Tickets to attend the event cost $195 per person and are currently available for purchase. For those interested in "amplifying" their Women in Wine experience, Borgata is offering a Premium Plus ticket (priced at $295 per person) that includes early admission to the event and an exclusive food and wine tasting entitled Giro d'Italia. Prepared by Chef Luke Palladino and named after the Italian bike race, the interactive tasting will be held at Ombra on November 11th from 12:30 PM-2:00 PM, and will feature a variety of food and wine pairings that take guests on a culinary "journey of the senses" through Italy. A total of nine food and wine offerings will be presented by Chef Palladino and Wine Director Anjoleena Griffin-Holst, including: Cape May Salt Oysters and Picilot, Davide Moschioni 2000; Veal Tartara, Egg Sorpresa, Parmigiano and Tartufi and Bellavista, Franciacorta Brut N.V.; Valencay served with Voglar, Alto Adige 2002; Smoked Lonza Marinata with mostarda and pears and La Stoppa Ageno, Emiglia- Romagna; Pork Short Ribs 'al latte' and 'Buschet', Moccagatt Piemonte 2005; Halibut al forno Wild Mushrooms, Bechamel, Porcini Crumbs and 'Asij', Ceretto 200; Soppressata Crespelle and Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Monte Faustino 1999; Bittersweet 'do Mori' Chocolate and Sagrantino di Montefalco 'Uno', Tenuta Alzatura 2001; and Blue di Pecora with Madeira, Baul 1964. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.theborgata.com or by calling 866-900-4TIX (4849). For room reservations, call 1.866.MYBORGATA. About Borgata -- Borgata is a joint venture of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD) and MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM). Located at Renaissance Pointe in Atlantic City, it features 2,000 guest rooms and suites, 161,000 square feet of gaming, 200 gaming tables, 4,100 slot machines, 14 destination restaurants, 11 retail boutiques, a 54,000 square foot spa, 70,000 square feet of event space, and parking for 7,100 cars. For more information on Borgata or to obtain a copy of this press release, please visit http://www.theborgata.com or use AOL keyword: borgata.
Bracco Wines Official Website Check with your local wine stores or search online for availability near you
Lorraine's trip to Italy
-- and her new Bracco Wines
Taste: More celebrities pour into wine business Friday, June 16, 2006 By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, The Wall Street Journal We very much liked the Bracco Pinot Grigio. Lorraine Bracco, who plays Tony Soprano's psychiatrist in the hit HBO series, told us she has loved wine since she moved to France as a teenager and lived there for 10 years. With all of the offers for her to endorse this product or that, she jumped at the chance when her business manager and an associate of his brought to her the idea of launching a line of wines. "I loved the fact that I would own the business and I loved the fact that it was something that I loved to do," she told us. "I love to eat and drink." So with her importer, she visits wineries in Italy and tastes and chooses the wines that will bear her name, she says. Her dream, she adds, "is to have a fabulous rose" in her portfolio. Click here to read the entire article
May 14, 2006 Lorraine Bracco Shoots for Star Status in the Wine World An Interview with Lorraine Bracco, Sopranos actress, and Wine Spectator Magazine: Actress Lorraine Bracco, 51, is best known for her role on the HBO hit drama The Sopranos, on which she plays Dr. Jennifer Melfi, the cool, calm and collected psychiatrist to mob boss Tony Soprano. But the actress is taking on a new role as she launches her own line of wines, available in the New York tri-state area this spring and nationally in September. Brooklyn-born Bracco, who recalls large gatherings of her Italian-American family, with big meals, wine and laughs, moved to Paris at 16 to pursue a career as a fashion model and actress. There she was introduced to European culture, fine wine and food. Now she wants to share her love of good wine with others by introducing Bracco Wines, eight different varietals she selected from various Italian regions and producers. Her line will have everything from Pinot Grigio to Primitivo, even though she's an Opus girl at heart. Wine Spectator, (WS): What is your background in wine? Lorraine Bracco, (LB): My background in wine is simple--I lived in France for 10 years. When you live in a country like France and eat and drink in restaurants with friends who know all about wine and food--it was a great lesson in itself. I never even realized what an important part eating and drinking would play in my life. Who knew? WS: Was it during those years that you became interested in wine? LB: Absolutely. Put it this way. Twenty-six years ago I named my daughter Margaux, after Château Margaux. I have friends in France still and they pride themselves on drinking and eating. WS: What are your favorite wines? LB: When Margaux was born in 1979 I bought a couple of cases of Châteaux Margaux and put them in my cellar. But I went through all of those. You know, I just can't hold onto the stuff. 1979 was a good year. I like reds. I'm definitely a red girl. In Italy, I would have to say I like the Primitivo. For me, it's a wine you drink with almost anything. It's not one of the bigger wines. I love Brunello. But you can't drink that every day or start off lunch with it. I'm a big Opus girl. I love Opus. What else ... Château Margaux, Quintessa, Châteauneuf-du-Pape ... . WS: How involved are you in the making of Bracco Wines? LB: I picked out the wines. I went to different vineyards and I went on what I liked, not on production costs or price range. I picked out wines that I loved. Am I involved in the production yet? No. Do I hope to be? Yes. WS: What's in your wine cellar now? LB: I have it out in Bridgehampton [on Long Island]. I don't know what's in there. I drink it all, which is really sad. Everybody says, 'Lorraine, you should save this.' Oh, just open it up. My friends love me for that. I tell everybody to just go down and pick out whatever. Then they sheepishly come upstairs with a bottle and ask if they can open it. I say, 'Of course, go ahead and open it!' WS: Do any other Sopranos cast members share your love for wine? LB: Michael Imperioli is big into wine, so is Vince Curatola and I think Frank Vincent. WS: Have you received any advice from other celebrities involved in the wine business? LB: I know Francis Ford Coppola and I would love to be halfway as successful as Francis. I haven't talked to him yet. But that will be fun. Source: “Wine Talk: Lorraine Bracco,” John Clarke Jr. , An Interview for Wine Spectator, May 14, 2006 BRACCO TO LAUNCH WINE RANGE THE SOPRANOS star LORRAINE BRACCO has announced plans to launch her own brand of wines. The 51-year-old actress, who has been a wine fan for several years, plans to release the bottled beverages early next year (06). She says "It will start with small quantities and they will be out in stores in January." Bracco, who went to Italy for tastings as she did research for her brand, adds, "You have to (go wine-tasting) when your palate is fresh. So trust me, at 10am, it is not that glamorous and exciting."
'Sopranos' Star Gets Corked This Fall Get ready for a unique tie-in between a TV star and a product. Lorraine Bracco, who plays Dr. Melfi on "The Sopranos," is getting her own wine. Bracco Wines is the name of an Italian vintage that will have its debut in October. Made in Tuscany, Bracco Wines will offer at the very least a tasty Brunello. More details will follow this fall, after Lorraine gets back from meeting the owners of the winery where Bracco Wines will be bottled.
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