DREYFUS, ASHBY ADDS PRESTIGIOUS CHIANTI TO PORTFOLIO
Barone Ricasoli Joins Stellar Roster of Fine, Family-owned Wineries

New York City, November 13 – Dreyfus, Ashby & Company, the United States importer specializing in fine wines from renowned family-owned estates, has extended its stellar roster to include one of the leading producers of Chianti Classico. Effective today Dreyfus has the exclusive importing, marketing and distribution rights in the U.S. for Barone Ricasoli wines from the famous wine-producing region of Chianti, in Italy.

Announcing the agreement, Chris Ryan, chief executive officer of Dreyfus, Ashby said, “Not only have we rounded out our Italian portfolio by adding one of the most prestigious, high-quality Chiantis, Barone Ricasoli, but we see excellent potential for developing the brand. Barone Francesco Ricasoli brings the kind of personal and professional commitment to his wines that will ensure growth.”

Owned by Barone Francesco Ricasoli, the 32nd-generation baron of his family, the Barone Ricasoli winery is based in Gaiole, northeast of Siena, in Tuscany, and is the largest estate in Chianti Classico. Described as both the oldest winery and the fourth-oldest family-owned company in the world, Ricasoli has 625 acres of vineyards planted around the magnificent Castello Brolio, the castle at the heart of both the company and property which is depicted on the Castello di Brolio Chianti and Vin Santo wine labels. Ricasoli’s winemaker, Carlo Ferrini, is considered among the leading winemakers of the region and of Italy.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new partnership, Baron Francesco said, “With Dreyfus, Ashby we believe we have found the perfect match for our wines and business philosophy. We share a dedication to quality, commitment to family-ownership, and the know-how to realize the full potential for Ricasoli in the States.”

Eight Ricasoli wines join the Dreyfus portfolio: four Chiantis, two Super-Tuscans, a Chardonnay and a Vin Santo. The flagship brand, Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG was first produced in 1997, and its recently-released 2006 vintage received Gambero Rosso’s tre bicchieri (three glasses), the highest award of the well-regarded Italian wine magazine, and is ranked #5 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines for 2009. Also among the Ricasoli Chiantis are the Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG, known as Brolio for short, 2006, which is among the best known of their wines; Barone Ricasoli Chianti del Barone DOCG, 2007; and Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, 2005. The Super-Tuscans, blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, include Ricasoli’s Campo Ceni Toscana IGT, 2007, and Casalferro Toscana IGT, 2004, the first a youthful wine, the second the premium offering. Ricasoli’s Torricella Chardonnay di Toscana IGT, 2006, and their Castello di Brolio Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC, 2003, will also be available through the importer.

As continuity is important to both Dreyfus, Ashby and Barone Ricasoli, Roberta Perillo will continue to be Ricasoli’s brand manager in the United States. Based in Pearl River, New York she will work closely with Dreyfus’ 21 regional managers and directors to effect a seamless transition while continuing to build brand awareness through marketing and sales programs.

About Dreyfus, Ashby

Dreyfus, Ashby & Co. is a national importer and marketer of a carefully chosen portfolio of fine wines and spirits which encompasses the leading wine-producing regions of the world. Headquartered in New York City, Dreyfus, Ashby markets its products in all 50 states through a network of wholesale customers. Among the producers in its portfolio are Maison Joseph Drouhin of Burgundy, France, Miguel Torres in Penedes, Spain. Its Italian portfolio also includes Renato Ratti of the Piedmont, Tedeschi in Verona, Girlan/Filadonna of Alto Adige, and Bortolomiol Proseccos. Seven other French producers include Chateau Petrus from Jean-Pierre Moueix (Bordeaux), Comte Georges de Vogüé (Burgundy), Ch. Campuget and Ch. Ste. Marguerite (Provence), Domaine d l’Hyverniere (Loire), Dopff & Irion and the Crêmes and Eaux-de-Vie of Massenez (Alsace). Dreyfus imports wines from three Swiss producers, Robert Gilliard, Henri Badoux, and Ch. d’Auvernier, and one additional Spanish producer, Jean Leon. Imports from the Southern Hemisphere include New Zealand wines Giesen and Southbank Estate from Marlborough, and Chard Farm and Rabbit Ranch from Central Otago. South African imports comprise Nederburg from Paarl, Plaisir de Merle, Zonnebloem, and Blouberg. South American wines include Torres wines from Chile, and Enrique Foster and Mauricio Lorca from Argentina. Sula from India is also among Dreyfus’ imports. The domestic wine offerings are Domaine Drouhin and Cloudline Cellars from Oregon. Hakutsuru sake from Japan is one of the few imported brands in this exciting category.