Kobrand Wine & Spirits Adds Legendary Masi Agricola to Fine Wine Portfolio

PURCHASE, NY--(Marketwire - March 20, 2013) - Kobrand Corporation, dynamic home to some of the wine and spirits industry's finest luxury brands, is proud to announce the addition of Masi Agricola to its portfolio of fine Italian wines. The announcement reflects a long term marketing and sales agreement to exclusively represent Masi and Masi Tupungato wines and its historic estates Serego Alighieri and Bossi Fedrigotti in the United States taking effect immediately.

Considered one of the most influential wineries in the Italy's Veneto region, Masi Agricola is renowned for its expertise in the Appassimento winemaking method. Recognized as the leading Amarone producer, Masi Agricola's internationally reputed Campofiorin pioneered the ripasso style of wine.

Masi Agricola's history in the Valpolicella area began in the 18^th century with the Boscaini family's purchase of a small valley "Vaio dei Masi" north of Verona. The Boscaini family retains ownership of Masi Agricola to this day. Sandro Boscaini, President of Masi Agricola, expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, "I'm very happy that our wines are now part of Kobrand Wine & Spirits, an eminent family-owned company which shares our appreciation for the cultural value of wine. Our partnership combines Masi's high quality wines and pristine vineyards with Kobrand's professionalism and approach to market. We look forward to a long relationship with great success just as we enjoyed with our previous US importer."

Kobrand Corporation's CEO Bob DeRoose shared the excitement for the partnership commenting, "As a family owned company, Kobrand looks forward to working with the Boscaini family on continuing their brands' success in the US. Masi Agricola has had a strong presence in both the on- and off-premise segments of our industry since its introduction to the US in late 1960s. We know the brand's legendary profile will capture even greater consumer affection and respect as we go forward. It's an honor to add Masi to our collection of iconic Italian wines."

Masi Agricola will reside in the Wine Division of Kobrand Wines & Spirits. Brand Manager Marco Sorio will be responsible for the strategic direction and day to day management of this esteemed brand.

ABOUT

Kobrand Corporation

Kobrand Corporation was founded in 1944 and to this day remains one of the few family-owned wine and spirits companies. Kobrand's portfolio of wine and spirits was meticulously selected according to a single, unerring principle: quality. This continued focus has made the Kobrand name synonymous with wines and spirits of the highest caliber for 69 years. Kobrand is the exclusive agent for an outstanding selection of fine wines and spirits including Maison Louis Jadot Burgundies, Champagne Taittinger, Cakebread Cellars, Sequoia Grove, St. Francis, Benziger Family Winery, Sassicaia, Caposaldo, Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft Ports, Alizé Passion Liqueurs and Alize Coco, Vikingfjord Vodka and Delamain Grande Champagne Cognacs, among other fine wines and spirits.

Masi Agricola

Masi Agricola produces prestigious wines from native grape varieties in Italy's Veneto region, combining traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology. The Masi Technical Group takes care of the entire process, from the vineyards (3,000 acres) to the wine bottling. As a leading producer of Amarone, Masi is internationally recognised for its expertise in the Appassimento technique. This traditional method used in the Veneto regions lays out grapes for an extended period of time on bamboo racks before vinification to increase the concentration of aromas and flavors. Their five Amarone wines and their Supervenetian wine, Campofiorin, reflect the advances that have been made in the Appassimento process by the Masi Technical Group.

Today, Masi remains a family-owned company, run by President Sandro Boscaini and his brother Bruno, representing the sixth generation; the seventh generation is present in the company with three members, active in marketing, commercial and technical activities. Masi is one of the top five Italian fine wine producers, enjoying a global presence in more than 90 countries.