Ruffino Introduces First-Ever Prosecco

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Ruffino Introduces First-Ever Prosecco

New Release Offers Affordable Luxury in Time for Summer Celebrations

SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruffino, the trusted Italian winery founded in Tuscany in 1877, announces the introduction of its inaugural Ruffino Prosecco DOC. The release marks the first time in the brand's history that a sparkling wine has been added to the extensive Ruffino portfolio, world-renowned for its award winning Chianti wines. With a suggested retail price of $14.99, Ruffino Prosecco is an affordable luxury perfect for every day celebrations and available nationally from May 2011.

For over 130 years, Ruffino's philosophy has been to combine 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. An extra-dry style, the 100 percent glera (Prosecco) grapes are sourced from the hilly areas of Valdobbiadene, one of the best-known regions of Prosecco production in the Veneto region of northwestern Italy. Batches underwent individual traditional white wine vinification, and, as with all Prosecco, the final blend underwent Charmat fermentation in tanks for one month, producing a bright, fruity style at a moderate 11 percent alcohol.

The launch of Ruffino's new sparkling wine follows a year of incredible category growth in the U.S. In 2010, Prosecco grew 61 percent in volume and 54 percent in dollar value; and in August 2010, Italy became the leading exporter of wines to the U.S., driven largely by the increased popularity of Prosecco among consumers, most notably Millennials, who have helped make it the leading Italian sparkling wine import. According to Impact Databank, over 2.5 Million cases of Italian sparkling wine were imported into the U.S., which is more than double the number from 10 years ago.

Angus Lilley, Director of Marketing for Ruffino at Constellation Wines, says, "Based on the category's success, we saw an opportunity to introduce Ruffino's first sparkling wine in the fastest growing flavor segment within the sparkling wine category. With a suggested retail price under $15, it reinforces our belief in La Dolce Vita and sharing the beauty of the Italian lifestyle with wine drinkers."

Ruffino Prosecco is straw-yellow, and shows aromas of apples, pears and citrus fruits. On the palate, the wine begins with intense apple and peach flavors, giving way to a bright, fruity and floral finish. It is ideal to serve as an aperitif and with a variety of foods, pairing well with baked fish, gourmet pizza and marinated shellfish dishes.

This article originally appeared on prnewswire.com on May 5, 2011.