No.8639   2004. 1. 13

Suntory to release popular Spumante in Milan and Rome, “Cinzano Prosecco”
— Dry sparkling wine of Italian original grape —

Suntory Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, President: Nobutada Saji) is to release worldwide known dry type Spumante*1 , “Cinzano Prosecco” from Italian Cinzano brand , on the 20th of February in Japan nation wide.

Imported sparkling wines have grown in Japan for the last few years, and sold 1.45 million cases ( 720ml× 12 bottles / case, increased approx. 10% compared to previous year) in 2003 (Estimated by Suntory), and expected to raise further for this year.

“Cinzano Prosecco “has already gained popularity in Europe as casual and stylish aperitif. Especially in Italy, it is enjoyed with light snacks, such as olives and prosciutto in casual bars and cafes.

Features of the contents

“Cinzano Prosecco” is made from 100 % Italian original grape, called Prosecco, and it is Spumante with fascinating fragrance of acacia and apples with vigorous , refreshing and aromatic taste. Moreover, the fine textured cream is completely enjoyable with fully mild and soft touch. It is also recommended for women, when adding peach fruit juices, as to become sparkling wine’s popular cocktail “Bellini” *2 .

Cinzano group has been manufacturing Vermouth and Spumante since 1863. In 1990, the group received “Vinarius Prize” which is one of the most prestigious prize given to Italian wines.
Suntory plans to activate Japanese market and aim for Japanese alcohol drinkers to drink more of various worldwide known sparkling wines, as casual alcohol drink in everyday life.

*1 Spumante is Italian sparkling wine, and most of them are made in Northern Italy. It possesses delicate and light bubbles, and it pops with fruity and elegant taste in the mouth.

*2 Cocktail “Bellini” is based with Spumante, and Prosecco is the original base. The cocktail was created to celebrate the art exhibition of “Giovanni Bellini” during renaissance era in 1948, at “Harry’s Bar” , Venezia ,Italy.

— Outline of the product —

• Name of product, Volume/Packaging, Alcohol percentage, Types, Suggested retail price
“Cinzano Prosecco” 750ml×6 bottles 11% Fruit wine Open price

• Release date and sales region
10th of February , 2004 Japan Nation wide

Enquiry of the information, please contact to:
Suntory Customer Center Toll free number: 0120-0139-310
(Osaka) Dojimahama 2-1-40, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-8203, Japan
(Tokyo) Moto-Akasaka 1-2-3, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8430, Japan
Wine website: http://e-wine.suntory.co.jp/