Stella Rosa Red

Stella Rosa Red is a semi-sweet, semi-sparkling Italian red wine bottled at 5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced from brachetto grapes sourced in the Asti area of Piedmont, Italy, this frizzante red won Gold medals at both the San Diego International Wine Competition and the Texsom International Wine Awards in 2015. Widely recognized as America's first semi-sweet, semi-sparkling red wine from Asti, it remains the flagship expression of the Stella Rosa line.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Asti, Piedmont, Italy  |  Style: Semi-Sweet, Semi-Sparkling (Frizzante)  |  Producer: San Antonio Winery / Riboli Family

Production & Heritage

Stella Rosa Red is produced by the Riboli Family, owners of San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles, California — one of the oldest producing wineries in the city. The grapes, however, are entirely grown and vinified in the Asti sub-region of Piedmont, Italy, where brachetto has been cultivated for generations. The wine undergoes arrested fermentation using the Charmat method, which halts yeast activity before all residual sugar converts to alcohol, preserving natural sweetness while generating a gentle, persistent effervescence. This approach accounts for both the low 5% ABV and the soft frizzante texture that distinguishes Stella Rosa Red from still table wines.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe raspberry leads the nose, followed by fresh wild strawberry and a subtle red plum sweetness. There is a gentle floral lift characteristic of brachetto.

Taste: The palate opens with juicy raspberry and wild strawberry, carrying a natural semi-sweet character that never turns cloying. Mid-palate, red plum flavors emerge alongside a fine, lively mousse that keeps the wine feeling light and refreshing despite its fruit intensity.

Finish: The finish is short to medium, clean, and fruit-driven, with lingering notes of berry and a touch of residual sweetness. The gentle fizz fades smoothly, leaving a pleasant, slightly tart close.

How to Drink Stella Rosa Red

Serve well-chilled, between 40–45°F, to emphasize the wine's refreshing effervescence and keep the sweetness in balance. Stella Rosa Red is best enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or paired with food, but it also works as a low-ABV cocktail ingredient. In a Red Sangria, it contributes natural berry sweetness and fizz without requiring added sugar. Try it in a Berry Spritz — combine with a splash of club soda and fresh mint for a warm-weather sipper. It also adds dimension to a Wine Punch when mixed with citrus juice and sliced stone fruit, bringing gentle sparkle to a crowd-friendly bowl.

Best For

• Introducing wine newcomers to Italian frizzante reds
• Casual summer gatherings where a low-alcohol, fruit-forward pour is ideal
• Brunch service alongside fresh fruit, pastries, and lighter fare
• Gifting someone who enjoys sweeter, approachable wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stella Rosa Red taste like? Stella Rosa Red delivers prominent ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, and red plum flavors in a semi-sweet, gently effervescent package. The low 5% ABV keeps it light and easy-drinking, with soft berry sweetness balanced by a clean, slightly tart finish.

How does Stella Rosa Red compare to Rosa Regale? Both are sweet, sparkling Italian reds made from brachetto grapes in Piedmont, but Rosa Regale is a fully sparkling (spumante) wine with a higher ABV — typically around 7% — and a more complex, drier profile. Stella Rosa Red is lighter-bodied, lower in alcohol, and notably sweeter, making it more approachable for drinkers who prefer overt fruit sweetness.

Is Stella Rosa Red good for beginners? Its low alcohol content, semi-sweet flavor, and gentle fizz make Stella Rosa Red one of the most beginner-friendly red wines available. It requires no decanting or advanced serving technique — just chill and pour.

Where is Stella Rosa Red made? Stella Rosa Red is produced entirely in the Asti sub-region of Piedmont, Italy, from locally grown brachetto grapes. It is imported and distributed by the Riboli Family's San Antonio Winery, based in Los Angeles, California.

What foods pair well with Stella Rosa Red? Fresh strawberries and mixed berries complement the wine's natural fruit profile. Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone match its gentle sweetness. Dark chocolate creates a classic berry-and-cocoa pairing. Spicy appetizers such as Thai spring rolls benefit from the wine's residual sugar, which tempers heat. Light charcuterie with prosciutto and melon also works well alongside the fizz.

What sizes does Stella Rosa Red come in? Stella Rosa Red is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle, though the brand also produces select expressions in 250ml single-serve bottles and multi-packs depending on market availability.

Is Stella Rosa Red worth the price? Stella Rosa Red positions squarely in the value tier of semi-sparkling wines, delivering fruit intensity and gentle effervescence at an entry-level price point. For drinkers who enjoy sweet, low-alcohol reds, it represents strong everyday value backed by consistent quality and a proven track record of competition recognition.

Why Stella Rosa Red?

Stella Rosa Red earned its reputation as the wine that launched an entire category of semi-sweet, semi-sparkling reds for the American market, and it continues to anchor the Riboli Family portfolio. The use of Piedmontese brachetto grapes, combined with Charmat-method arrested fermentation, produces a flavor profile and texture that few competitors replicate at this price point. Dual Gold medals at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition and Texsom International Wine Awards validate the wine's quality beyond its broad consumer appeal. For anyone seeking a fruit-forward, low-alcohol Italian red with genuine Asti provenance, Stella Rosa Red remains the benchmark.