SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruffino, the
trusted Italian winery founded in Tuscany in 1877, announces the debut of its
vintage Moscato d'Asti DOCG. The release of the 2011 bottling
represents the first sweet, semi-sparkling Moscato Bianco from Ruffino, world-renowned for
its award winning Chianti wines and characteristic celebration of
la dolce vita. Ruffino
Moscato d'Asti follows the launch of the winery's inaugural
Prosecco DOC in 2011. With a suggested retail price of $15, Ruffino
Moscato d'Asti, available nationally this month, is priced
for success in the U.S. market, where Moscato is seeing a surge in
popularity among Millennial consumers[2].
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/NY44839 )
For over 130 years, Ruffino's philosophy has combined 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. Moscato
Bianco, believed to be one of the oldest domesticated
old-world grape varietals, is therefore a natural fit for the
heritage Ruffino brand. The grapes comprising Ruffino Moscato d'Asti were harvested in
mid-September 2011 from within the
exclusive 25,000-hectare Asti DOCG region situated in the southern
part of Piedmont, premiere
sourcing for Italian Moscato. Fermented in the Charmat method,
which preserves the aromas of the grapes, this fragrant sparkling
wine has an ABV of 6 percent and is characterized by light,
effervescent bubbles.
The arrival of Ruffino Moscato
d'Asti DOCG follows a year of skyrocketing growth within the
Moscato category in the U.S. The fastest-growing Italian
varietal by volume, with an increase of 178 percent in the 12-month
period ending November 27, 2011,
Moscato is also leading the way in terms of dollar sales growth
among all wines, with an increase of 89.5 percent[3]. Studies show
that Moscato is the preferred wine of Millennial drinkers aged 22 –
35, with more Millennial households choosing Moscato than any other
generation[4].
Angus Lilley, Director of
Marketing for Ruffino says, "With a belief that la dolce
vita can be celebrated in many ways, Ruffino is pleased to
offer a Moscato d'Asti DOCG to the U.S. market for the first time,
where consumers are discovering a diverse selection of sparkling
and semi-sparkling wines to suit their palates. Accessibly priced
at $15, Ruffino Moscato is poised to enter a price
segment that has experienced triple digit growth over the last
year[5] and after the successful launch of our Prosecco DOC in
2011, we feel confident in the prospects for Ruffino Moscato d'Asti."
Bright straw-yellow in color, Ruffino
Moscato d'Asti begins with vibrant aromas of sweet citrus,
peach and orange blossoms on the nose, giving way to notes of sage
and white stone fruit on the palate. Its low alcohol content makes
it an ideal aperitivo, or the perfect accompaniment to fruit and
bread based desserts, such as Panettone, fresh fruit salads of figs
and melon, or with bread and salami. For more about Ruffino Moscato d'Asti DOCG, visit
www.ruffino.com.
About Ruffino S.r.l.
Founded in 1877, Ruffino is synonymous with the story of
Tuscan winemaking. Classic wines such as Chianti Classico and
Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
have always been the soul of Ruffino's portfolio. The foresight of
the winery and the desire for new exciting challenges has also led
to the creation of imposing Supertuscans and other wines produced
with local and international grape varieties.
Tradition and innovation. Experience. Territory. Desire to reach
excellence through passion and knowledge, in the vineyards as well
as in the cellars.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands is the world's leading premium wine
company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of
wine consumers, storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes,
and talented employees worldwide. With a broad portfolio of widely
admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits
categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor
Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Ruffino, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet
Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) is a S&P 500
Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 brands in our
portfolio, sales in about 100 countries and operations in
approximately 30 facilities. The company believes that industry
leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to
the land, to investors and to different people around the world who
turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet
ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate
life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation,
visit the company's website at www.cbrands.com.
[1] Source: Symphony IRI Group, Total U.S.
Food, Drug, Mass & Convenience 52 weeks, ending
Nov. 27, 2011 – table
wine
[2] Source: According to customer
insights/information provided by dunnhumby; 52 weeks, ending
October 8, 2011 – table wine
[3] Source: Symphony IRI Group, Total U.S.
Food, Drug, Mass & Convenience 52 weeks, ending
Nov. 27, 2011
[4] Source: According to customer
insights/information provided by dunnhumby; 52 weeks, ending
October 8, 2011 – table wine
[5] Source: Symphony IRI Group, Total U.S.
Food, Drug, Mass & Convenience 52 weeks, ending
Nov. 27, 2011
SOURCE Ruffino