Mirassou Winery Brightens its Portfolio with New "Sunset Red"

MODESTO, Calif., March 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mirassou Winery announced today the latest introduction to its family of wines: Sunset Red. The red blend, a combination of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Merlot, featuring black cherry and blackberry flavors with notes of caramel and brown sugar, is now available nationwide.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130322/CG79301)

"By leading with Pinot Noir in Sunset Red, we are paying tribute to my family's strong heritage as the first to bring the elegant grape to California more than a century ago," said David Mirassou, sixth generation of America's oldest winemaking family. "Red blends are a very hot trend right now as consumers look for wines with versatile, approachable styles, and Sunset Red is an easy-to-enjoy, fruit-forward choice for wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike."

This hot wine trend doesn't seem to be going anywhere as the popularity of red blends continues to grow. In fact, across the industry over the last year, sales of red blends have increased 39% in volume and 38% in dollars.[1]

The reddish purple hues of the inaugural release of Mirassou Winery's 2011 Sunset Red reflect the shades of a bright, beautiful California sunset, and offer a perfect sipping experience as the day winds down.  The ninth varietal in the Mirassou portfolio, Sunset Red joins Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  

Mirassou uses the best grapes from some of California's most acclaimed growing regions to make fruit-forward wines that pair deliciously with a variety of foods. Pairing suggestions for Sunset Red include flavorful, happy hour-themed menu items like Sunset Sliders, Sweet Potato Fries with Spiced Aioli dipping sauce, and individual ramekins of Cherry Bread Pudding – the perfect pairing menu for entertaining with friends any evening of the week.

The Mirassou family is proud to be America's oldest winemaking family and has a rich heritage of crafting superior wines in the sun-drenched hills of California. Today, Mirassou wines embody the bright spirit that is so much a part of the winery's sunny California history.

To find Mirassou wines in your area, visit the Where to Buy section at www.mirassou.com.  For more recipe pairing ideas and more information, find Mirassou on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MirassouWinery.

About Mirassou Winery:  The Mirassou family has been growing grapes and crafting superior wines in California since 1854, earning them the distinction of being America's oldest winemaking family. Today, the Mirassou wine style is light-bodied, refreshing and fruit-forward. Mirassou's premium wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and the new Sunset Red – retail for approximately $12 per bottle and are widely available in all 50 states. They can be located through Mirassou.com's "Where to Buy" section or by ordering at www.thebarrelroom.com.  

[1] Source: IRI 52 weeks ending 7/22/2012, TTL US FD-DG, TTL Red Blends, Volume and Dollar Sales % Chg YAG

SOURCE Mirassou Winery