MARTINI & ROSSI(R) Launches Sparkling Rose and Unveils Stylish New Packaging for #1 Selling Asti

Iconic Italian Winemaker now boasts a trio of sparkling wines

MIAMI, April 27 /PRNewswire/ — MARTINI & ROSSI, the leading name in Italian winemaking, announces exciting changes to its popular portfolio of sparkling wines. The brand proudly announces the debut of MARTINI & ROSSI Sparkling Rose, the first new addition to the portfolio in five years, as well as a sleek new bottle design for the number one-selling imported sparkling wine in the United States, MARTINI & ROSSI Asti.

“With the new addition of MARTINI & ROSSI Sparking Rose and the introduction of a dynamic new package for Asti, we offer consumers a portfolio of high-quality sparkling wines with a unique style and taste for every occasion, at an outstanding value,” stated Michelle Beauchamp, Senior Brand Manager. The MARTINI & ROSSI sparkling wine portfolio features; naturally sweet Asti D.O.C.G. (dosage: 90 grams/liter) extra dry Prosecco (dosage: 15 grams/liter, Frizzante) and MARTINI & ROSSI Sparkling Rose (dosage: 49 grams/liter). Cultivated in the finest growing areas of the Piedmonte and Veneto regions of Italy and crafted with handpicked Moscato Bianco grapes, as well as Malvasia and Brachetto grapes, MARTINI & ROSSI Sparkling Rose is characterized by enticing aromas that blend hints of citrus, elderflower and soft peach with delicate notes of wild rose.

As a category, sparkling rose wines are taking the nation by storm,* showing a growing presence on restaurant wine lists and at home dinner parties nationwide. On shelves this May, MARTINI & ROSSI Sparkling Rose arrives just in time for summer consumption and adds a new value to the sparkling rose category. MARTINI & ROSSI Sparkling Rose pairs perfectly with an assortment of foods, especially lighter flavors of fruits, cheeses and fish.

In addition to the launch of the Sparkling Rose, MARTINI & ROSSI is pleased to announce a new packaging design for its classic Italian sparkling wine, Asti. The new MARTINI & ROSSI Asti packaging is elegant and sleek. A darker, cuvee shaped bottle boasts a newly lengthened neck, and is enhanced by an elegant silver label that creates a streamlined, timeless look that perfectly embodies the brand. The winemaker’s dedication and passion for excellence is tasted in every one of its products and the new Sparkling Rose and Asti packaging is no exception.

MARTINI & ROSSI Sparkling Rose and MARTINI & ROSSI Asti will both be available in 750ml bottles and 187ml 4-packs. MARTINI & ROSSI Sparkling Rose retails for a suggested price of $12.99 and will be available in the spring of 2009. Retailing for the same price, the newly designed Asti packaging will be available on shelves late summer of 2009 at fine wine retailers nationwide.

About Martini & Rossi

One of the most iconic brands in the world, MARTINI & ROSSI is the leading name in Italian winemaking and a purveyor of the highest quality wines, with MARTINI & ROSSI Asti the number one-selling imported sparkling wine in the United States and MARTINI & ROSSI Vermouth, the number one-selling vermouth brand in United States, and the world. Since its founding in 1871, MARTINI & ROSSI has fostered a pioneering spirit to develop unique products that represent the very best in Italian quality and style. The winemaker’s dedication and passion for excellence is tasted in every one of its products and the new Sparkling Rose and Asti packaging is no exception.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world’s leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI(R) rum, the world’s number-one selling rum; GREY GOOSE(R) vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR’S(R) Blended Scotch whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE(R) gin, the fastest-growing premium gin in the spirits industry; CAZADORES(R) blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI & ROSSI(R) vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.

ENJOY OUR GOOD TASTE WITH YOUR GOOD JUDGEMENT (R) (C)2009. MARTINI & ROSSI AND THE MARTINI & ROSSI BALL AND BAR LOGO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS. IMPORTED BY MARTINI & ROSSI WINE COMPANY, MIAMI, FL. ITALIAN SPARKLING WINE.

*According to Nielsen, volume of sparkling rose grew nearly +22% since last year (52 weeks ending 3-7-09)

SOURCE Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.