THE ITALIAN WINE & FOOD INSTITUTE HAS NO DOUBTS THAT MORE AND MORE AMERICANS DRINK ITALIAN: MADE IN ITALY WINES RECORDED A HIGH INCREASE IN 2010 (+7%) AND ARE THE MOST IMPORTED TO THE STATES. EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE OF SPARKLING WINES

What country leads wine exports to the U.S.? Italy, of course. One million six hundred thirty-five thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine hectoliters were shipped to the U.S. in the first nine months of 2010, worth 775 million dollars - an increase of 7.6% over 2009 (up 6.4% in value).

Sparkling wines took the lion’s share, as they are becoming more and more popular among American consumers. Imported Italian sparkling wines in 2010 totaled 129.620 hectoliters, worth 77.9 million dollars: an increase of 22% in volume and 17.3% in value. Medium-low priced wines also registered a sharp increase and beat out the Australian and Chilean competition, which proves the tendency of American consumers towards Made in Italy wines. The most popular wines are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, but Sangiovese and Chianti are, in general, having increasing success. Who gave us all this information? A person who is well acquainted with the facts: the “President” of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, Lucio Caputo.