Wine
WINE RISING STARS
Mionetto Marks 25 years in U . S .
Prosecco brand Mionetto celebrates its 25th anniversary in the U . S . market in 2023 . Under the direction of Freixenet Mionetto USA CEO Enore Ceola , Mionetto was among the first imported prosecco brands in the U . S . and the first to open a stateside office .
After local success in New York , Ceola led the brand to expand nationally to become the leading prosecco brand within the sparkling wine category . In fact , Cheers named Mionetto one of the top-20 beverage alcohol product launches of the past quarter century as part of a look back for the magazine ’ s 25th anniversary in 2015 .
Mionetto ’ s 25th anniversary “ has been a phenomenal experience for myself and the brand ,” Ceola says . “ As one of the first imported prosecco brands in the U . S ., we have been at the forefront of the prosecco category , showcasing our innovation and winemaking style .”
The brand , which boasts more than 135 years of winemaking expertise in Italy , will commemorate its U . S . anniversary with various consumer programming . These include expanding the Il Passaporto experiential events nationwide , monthly online and in-store sweepstakes and more .
“ When looking back 25 years , it is amazing to see how we went from explaining what prosecco is , door to door across New York City , to having Mionetto become a leading U . S . brand ,” says Ceola . “ It is the American dream come true .” — MD
( 000 9-Liter cases ) |
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|
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’ 21 /’ 22 |
BRAND |
SUPPLIER |
2021 |
2022P |
% CHG |
Bota Box Breeze |
DFV Wines |
365 |
550 |
50.7 % |
Josh Cellars Reserve |
Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits |
335 |
412 |
23.0 % |
Coastal Vines Cellars |
Bronco Wine Co . |
190 |
204 |
7.4 % |
Yellow Tail Pure Bright |
Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits |
142 |
203 |
43.3 % |
Unshackled |
Constellation Brands |
139 |
175 |
25.6 % |
Tribute |
The Wine Group |
102 |
125 |
22.5 % |
Three Finger Jack |
DFV Wines |
80 |
95 |
18.8 % |
Cupcake Signature Sweets |
The Wine Group |
-- |
70 |
-- |
Matua Lighter |
Treasury Wine Estates |
22 |
64 |
++% |
Estrella River Winery |
Bronco Wine Co . |
53 |
55 |
3.8 % |
The Pale |
Shaw-Ross Int ' l Importers |
40 |
45 |
12.5 % |
Stoneleigh |
DFV Wines |
18 |
40 |
++% |
French Blue |
C . Mondavi & Family |
27 |
33 |
22.2 % |
Mind and Body |
Trinchero Family Estates |
30 |
33 |
10.0 % |
Longevity Wines |
Bronco Wine Co . |
28 |
32 |
14.3 % |
Almond Creek Vineyards |
Bronco Wine Co . |
24 |
25 |
4.2 % |
Sip Sip Hooray |
Southern Champion |
17 |
22 |
29.4 % |
Harvey & Harriet |
Constellation Brands |
11 |
21 |
87.4 % |
Source : The Beverage Information Group ' s 2023 Industry Overview Handbook ( p ) Preliminary
alcohol , won another Rising Star Award in 2023 . Bota Box , from Delicato Family Wines , also won Fast Track Award for its core boxed wine product and its Bota Mini extension .
HOW SWEET IT IS Another way to bring in younger LDA drinkers is with sweeter and fruity flavors . The Wine Group ’ s Cupcake Vineyards in March 2022 unveiled its Signature Sweets collection . The line of sweeter , lightly sparkling wines , which are 5.5 % ABV and come in four naturally flavored varietals : Sweet Red , Peach , Watermelon and Berry , won a Rising Star Award this year .
What ’ s more , Cupcake in April 2023 released Citruskissed Pinot Grigio : a vibrant , crisp and fruity wine with prominent notes of lime and lemon zest . The new wine has a suggested retail price of $ 12.99 .
The focus on low-ABV and sweet wines has helped Real Sangria win a Comeback Brand Award , says Ricky Febres , national brand manager at Shaw- Ross International Importers . “ We have found that the growth in the ‘ sweet wine ’ category is an opportunity for us to introduce Real Sangria to a new consumer group because sangria , which is wine blended with fruit juices , is the original sweet wine .”
CATERING TO COCKTAIL LOVERS Febres says that the current program focuses on Real Sangria cocktails , which is “ an easy , low-ABV alternative that we know brings in a lot of buying power .”
Wine Comeback
30 • Summer 2023 www . cheersonline . com