Bellissima in Santa Barbara!!!
Santa Barbara BevMo stocked their Bellissima today. When I arrived at 2pm, there were 6 bottles of each. The sales staff didn't seem to know about the product, it's origins, or it's salient points. So I took a little time and shared what I know, having been in $ICNB since December. Unknown to m at the time, my wife stopped in a little later and also bought two bottles and complete the lesson.
I then took my two bottles as a gift to my friend who owns Trattoria Vittoria, a small, authentic Italian trattoria. They'll be tasting tonight with their staff and customers who love proseco. My friend says that he sells 4-5 cases a week and it's his single largest selling wine product and has been growing significantly.
Perhaps you all might consider gifting a bottle to you favorite Italian restaurant. It seems they all order from Henry Wine Group.
Earlier in the week, I stopped in at Erewhon, which had just stocked that day and had 6 bottle on the shelf, with a note that said "limited supply, more coming on May 11"
Long and strong on ICNB, I only post when I have something to add.