Though the U.S. market’s total imported wine segment was roughly flat at 67 million 9-liter case depletions last year, according to Impact Databank, the category is seeing significant gains at the premium level. The top 10 imported brands retailing at above $10 a 750-ml. shot ahead by an aggregate 16% last year to more than 9 million cases. Progress was primarily driven by premium-plus offerings from Italy—the leading import segment by value, whose shipments were worth $1.35 billion last year—as well as New Zealand.

Riboli Family Wine Estates’ Stella Rosa remains the largest player in the premium-plus segment, nearing 1.7 million cases on 28% growth last year. The brand, whose core portfolio includes Rosso, Moscato D’Asti, Peach, Pink, and Berry wines ($11-$12 a 750-ml.), now ranks among the U.S. market’s top five imported wine brands overall, and is the only top-five brand priced above $10.