Andrea Bocelli and the Bocelli Family Introduce New Prosecco and Sangiovese

SEATTLE, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrea Bocelli, the world's largest-selling classical artist of all time with over 70 million CDs sold, has introduced a new line of wines with his brother, Alberto Bocelli. Since 1881, the Bocelli family has made small amounts of classic Italian wines on their Tuscan estate.  Now, for the very first time, they have expanded production, including partnerships with other growers, to introduce Bocelli Prosecco and Bocelli Sangiovese.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120502/SF99826)

"When I return home after my long trips, the joy that I receive from the taste of wine from my land is hard to match.  It brings me back in time, to memories of my father, of him pouring the wine with a quasi-religious respect.  I would give anything for him to see what has been accomplished in the past few years. I am sure he would be proud," says Andrea. 

To bring the wines to the global market, Bocelli has partnered with August Wine Group, a leading importer and branding firm for Italian wines. Since 2006, the company has imported Bocelli's micro-production cult wines under the company's boutique banner, Small Vineyards. The Bocelli Family Wines brand represents a marriage of two very powerful trends: the undeniable success of Prosecco and Italian wine sales in general, and the phenomenal career of Andrea Bocelli, which has reached new heights in recent years, making him "the most popular opera singer of all time" according to the New York Times.

Joshua Hanson, August Wine Group co-founder and Director, notes "After 6 years of working with Alberto and Andrea, the passion they have for their wines is plain to see.  They are very serious about it, and the wines are truly excellent. It is exciting, to put it mildly, to be part of such a powerful brand, and to be associated with a family that is such a force for good in the world."

The Bocelli Prosecco and Sangiovese have just launched in New York, Texas, Illinois, Washington and Oregon. Both wines will retail for $19.99.  "We have had some really great feedback from the trade," notes Bob Guinn, Executive Vice President of August Wine Group.  "Everyone definitely understands Andrea's popularity; they love the wines, and have made commitments to support the brand.  We should easily reach our sales target of 20,000 cases this half year." 

The Bocelli Prosecco and Sangiovese will be available throughout the U.S. by the end of the summer, prior to Bocelli's U.S. concert dates during the holidays of 2012. 

For more information, please visit the website at www.bocellifamilywines.com.

About August Wine Group, LLC

August Wine Group is a Seattle-based wine importer specializing in the import, distribution, branding, education and sales of high-quality wines of distinct character from the Mediterranean. Its subsidiaries include Small Vineyards, Largo Wines, and Bocelli Family Wines. The company has distribution in all major U.S. markets, North America, and many major international markets. August Wine Group supports small, environmentally responsible growers, and exceptional winemaking from world-class producers in both well-established and up-and-coming wine regions.

August Wine Group believes that every great wine has an equally great story to tell. That is why they go the extra mile to communicate those stories on every bottle they import. Whether it's the story of a winemaking extreme skier in Italy for Small Vineyards, the inspiration behind making an exciting new, never-before-tried wine in their Largo Wines portfolio, or telling the story of the incomparable Bocelli family in our Bocelli Family Wines Collection, we love to communicate the people, the passion, and the places behind our wines to our clients.

August Wine Group Corporate Office:
2742 Alki Avenue SW, Suite 200
Seattle, WA  98116
Telephone: (206) 933-6767
FAX: (206) 260-2776
www.enjoysmall.com        

About Andrea Bocelli and Bocelli Wines, srl

Andrea Bocelli (www.andreabocelli.com) is one of the most widely recognized, highly regarded and beloved entertainers in the world today. Unlike anyone else, Andrea Bocelli has achieved unprecedented success in both the classical and contemporary music fields. The owner of a timeless voice that transcends musical genres, Andrea's phenomenal talent and mass appeal has already sold nearly 80 million records. Andrea Bocelli is far and away the best selling classical-crossover Artist of all time.

Bocelli Wines, srl, based in Lajatico, Tuscany, is owned by Andrea and Alberto Bocelli, and is a family-run business involving many members of the Bocelli family. The family makes multiple wines in addition to the Prosecco and Sangiovese, including their premium level In Canto (Cabernet Sauvignon), Alcide (Sangiovese and Cabernet), and Terre di Sandro (old-vine Sangiovese). The estate enologist is renowned Tuscan winemaker Paolo Caciorgna.

SOURCE August Wine Group