Moscato d'Asti Imports Remain Top Sellers in the U.S.

NEW YORK, June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – Italian sparkling wines continue to outperform the import category in the United States and no other major varietal, apart from Argentinean Malbec, can claim levels of growth as fast over the last three years. Driven largely by Moscato d'Asti and Prosecco, sparkling imports from Italy to the U.S. surged 73.1 percent from 2005 to 2010 (based on data from Impact) and sales of Moscato d'Asti in particular, grew upwards of 50 percent in 2010 according to Nielson calculations in July 2010.

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What makes Moscato d'Asti so hot and unique at the moment?

As one of the most characteristic products of Piedmontese viticulture, Moscato d'Asti is made in a 'frizzante' (or semi-sparkling) style, in which fermentation is cut short enough that the resulting wine is light, fresh, low alcohol and ever so slightly sweet or off-dry. Its unmistakable musky aroma is delicate and intense with hints of orange blossom, peach and apricot; perfect for the warmer months of the year.

One of the Italian wineries leading the Moscato charge here in the United States is Piedmontese winery Umberto Fiore. Produced from vines in the southeastern part of the region near the border zone areas Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria, the Umberto Fiore Moscato d'Asti is perfect for pairing with fruit, cheeses, and desserts or consumed as an aperitif or cocktail mixer.

Pale straw in color with a scattering of fine bubbles, this lovely semi-sparkling wine shows a heady perfume of fresh vine flower, peach and tropical fruits. Gently sweet, with restrained alcohol, the vibrant fruit flavors envelop the palate, underscored by a refreshing acidity.

Umberto Fiore 2010 Moscato d'Asti DOCG

Suggested Retail Price:  $12.99

Importer: Aveniu Brands

About Umberto Fiore

In 1880, Pietro Fiore founded the Fiore winery in northeastern Piedmont near the small town of Gattinara, over time producing wines that established a respected reputation. In similar fashion, Nicolao Manfredi pioneered his own winery in the town of Farigliano in the Dolcetto zone. When the two families came together in 1990 their mission was to honor their heritage in producing traditional wines of Piedmont. Today, the wines of Umberto Fiore provide a true and a pure expression of this great Italian wine region.

SOURCE Aveniu Brands