The Wine Group Partners with Gancia Sparkling Wine

LIVERMORE, Calif., July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Gancia, creator of Italy's original sparkling wine, and The Wine Group LLC, the third-largest wine company in the world, have entered into an agreement providing The Wine Group with the exclusive right to distribute, sell and market the Gancia brand in the United States.

"This alliance brings together two fantastic cultures. We share a passion for delivering unbeatable brand value and continuous innovation to consistently exceed our customers' expectations," said Fritz Lance, The Wine Group's President of International Business and Alliances. "We look forward to taking Gancia to new levels of success in the dynamic U.S. market."

The Wine Group's exclusive distribution and sales agreement includes four Gancia sparkling wine varietals sourced from Italy's renowned grape growing regions: Prosecco, Moscato D'Asti, Asti and Moscato Rose. The Gancia brand, established in 1850 and known as "The Original Italian Sparkling Wine," is well positioned for the growing market for premium sparkling wine in the United States. Gancia's exceptionally high-quality sparkling wines are available at a compelling price point for today's savvy consumers seeking something special to mark celebrations from the everyday to the extraordinary.

"We are delighted to partner with The Wine Group and are excited to re-introduce Gancia, Italy's original sparkling wine, to U.S. consumers. Gancia's 150-year-old history and sparkling wine-making traditions are unparalleled, and together with the strength of The Wine Group we are confident of success in the strategically important U.S. market," said Roustam Tariko, founder and president of Russian Standard, one of the world's largest integrated spirits and sparkling wine beverage businesses, which acquired a majority stake in Gancia in 2011.

About Gancia (www.gancia.it)

Founded in 1850 by Carlo Gancia, the creator of the original Italian sparkling wine, Gancia is an international leader in the production of sparkling wines and vermouth. With 2,000 hectares of vineyards and five million kilograms of grapes vinified, Gancia, based in Canelli, in the heart of Italy's Asti region, produces sparkling wine, still wines and aperitifs distributed to over 60 countries. The Gancia sparkling wine portfolio ranges from sweet to dry, and from Charmat method to prestige vintages fermented more than five years. Russian Standard, the international spirits producer and distributor, is the majority shareholder in Gancia.

About The Wine Group

The Wine Group is a leading producer and marketer of table wines in the United States. Founded in 1981 and based in California, The Wine Group is the world's third largest wine producer by volume and the world's most cost- and carbon-efficient vintner. The Wine Group's global portfolio includes Cupcake Vineyards, flipflop wines, Big House Wine Co., Cocobon, Concannon Vineyard, and Mogen David Wine Co. among many other brands.

SOURCE The Wine Group LLC