Ruffino Introduces First-Ever Prosecco

SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruffino, the trusted Italian winery founded in Tuscany in 1877, announces the introduction of its inaugural Ruffino Prosecco DOC. The release marks the first time in the brand's history that a sparkling wine has been added to the extensive Ruffino portfolio, world-renowned for its award winning Chianti wines. With a suggested retail price of $14.99, Ruffino Prosecco is an affordable luxury perfect for every day celebrations and available nationally from May 2011.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110505/NY96265 )

For over 130 years, Ruffino's philosophy has been to combine Italian winemaking traditions with state-of-the-art technology. This synergy—a respect for history, balanced with a forward-looking passion for innovation and exceptional quality— is the foundation of the Ruffino house style.  An extra-dry style, the 100 percent glera (Prosecco) grapes are sourced from the hilly areas of Valdobbiadene, one of the best-known regions of Prosecco production in the Veneto region of northwestern Italy. Batches underwent individual traditional white wine vinification, and, as with all Prosecco, the final blend underwent Charmat fermentation in tanks for one month, producing a bright, fruity style at a moderate 11 percent alcohol.

The launch of Ruffino's new sparkling wine follows a year of incredible category growth in the U.S.  In 2010, Prosecco grew 61 percent in volume and 54 percent in dollar value(1); and in August 2010, Italy became the leading exporter of wines to the U.S.(2), driven largely by the increased popularity of Prosecco among consumers, most notably Millennials, who have helped make it the leading Italian sparkling wine import. According to Impact Databank, over 2.5 Million cases of Italian sparkling wine were imported into the U.S., which is more than double the number from 10 years ago.  

Angus Lilley, Director of Marketing for Ruffino at Constellation Wines, says, "Based on the category's success, we saw an opportunity to introduce Ruffino's first sparkling wine in the fastest growing flavor segment within the sparkling wine category(3). With a suggested retail price under $15, it reinforces our belief in La Dolce Vita and sharing the beauty of the Italian lifestyle with wine drinkers."

Ruffino Prosecco is straw-yellow, and shows aromas of apples, pears and citrus fruits. On the palate, the wine begins with intense apple and peach flavors, giving way to a bright, fruity and floral finish. It is ideal to serve as an aperitif and with a variety of foods, pairing well with baked fish, gourmet pizza and marinated shellfish dishes. For more about Ruffino Prosecco, visit: www.ruffino1877.com.

(1)  Source: Symphony IRI Group, Total U.S. Food & Drug 52 weeks, ending Dec. 26, 2010.

(2)  Source: Symphony IRI Group, Total U.S. Food & Drug, Dollar Sales

(3)  Source: Symphony IRI Group, Total U.S. Food & Drug 52 weeks, ending Apr. 17, 2011

About Ruffino

For more than 130 years, Ruffino has been devoted to producing elegant, time-honored wines that are rooted in Italy's local traditions. The wines reflect the Italian lifestyle, handing down the values of the land and its people through the simple pleasures of family life and the family table. Founded in the heart of Tuscany in 1877 by Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino, the cousins channeled their energies into opening a winery in Pontassieve, close to the beautiful city of Florence, and crafting wines of uncompromising quality.  In 1913, the winery was acquired by the Folonari family.  With many generations of winemaking experience in their blood, the Folonari's evolved Ruffino into the symbol of Italian lifestyle and quality that it is today, setting a standard for fine Tuscan wines throughout the world.  Ruffino wines are imported by Constellation Wines U.S.

About Constellation Wines U.S.

Constellation Wines U.S. (CWUS) is the largest wine company in the U.S. based upon sales dollar value. The portfolio includes such brands as Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Robert Mondavi Private Selection, Blackstone, Ravenswood, Robert Mondavi Winery, Simi, Estancia, Wild Horse, Arbor Mist and Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy. CWUS and Vincor Canada comprise Constellation Wines North America, a division of Constellation Brands, Inc., a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol in the wine, spirits and imported beer categories.  

SOURCE Ruffino