Charity claret: BBR collaborates with aid organisation

In partnership with Jancis Robinson and Bordeaux consultant Eris Boissenot, BBR has created a 2013 red Bordeaux blend, Widely Read, from which profits will benefit Room to Read, a global education organisation that works in low income countries across Asia and Africa.

Widely Read is a bottling of red Bordeaux that was blended on 31 March of this year at VINIV – a subsidiary of Lynch Bages in Pauillac – with wine contributed by “15 of Bordeaux’s top châteaux”.

BBR’s Asia sales director, Simon Staples says: “Having been a keen advocate for Room to Read and all the amazing things they do for the past few years this really was a eureka moment last Christmas when I thought what could I do to help in a way that was appropriate or apt to Berry Bros. & Rudd and myself? So I set about gathering the best in the business to make this excellent wine.

“What absolutely thrills me however, apart from the great experience of making this wine with Jancis and Eric and the team at Lynch Bages, is that every time you open a bottle and drink it with a friend or loved one that pleasure giving experience pays to teach a child to read for a year somewhere far less fortunate than you. To that I raise a big old glass! Just see what we can create next year!! Cheers,” he adds.  

A limited quantity of 486 six-bottle cases was made from the 2013 vintage. A total of £160 from each case will be invested in Room to Read’s Literacy Programme, ensuring primary school children can become independent readers and girls can complete secondary school.

“The blending of Widely Read represents the integration of philanthropy, and a great Bordeaux,” said John Wood, founder of Room to Read.

“Through this inspired partnership with Berry Bros. & Rudd, we are proud to raise a glass to empowering more deserving children around the world with access to quality education.”

Six-bottle cases of Widely Read are available for £330 (HKD $3,877) from the BBR website.