Stella Rosa Sweet Red Wine: 9 Best Styles, Taste & Pairings (2026)
Quick answer: Stella Rosa sweet red wines are lightly sparkling (frizzante), semi-sweet Italian-style wines with 5–8% ABV and approximately 80–105 calories per 5 oz glass. All nine styles retail between $11–16. The flagship is Stella Rosa Rosso — a 100% Brachetto wine with fresh strawberry and cherry flavours from Asti, Piedmont.
Stella Rosa has become one of the most popular sweet wine brands in the United States, and it is easy to understand why. The wines are affordable, consistently approachable, lightly sparkling, and fruit-forward in a way that makes them immediately enjoyable without the learning curve of dry European wines. They are made by the Riboli family through their historic San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles, using aromatic grapes sourced from the beautiful vineyards of Piedmont's Asti region in northern Italy.
The phenomenal success of Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti and Stella Rosa Rosso paved the way for an entire Stella Rosa lineage that now covers over 20 different natural flavours. This guide covers the 9 best Stella Rosa sweet red wine styles, with updated 2026 prices, complete ABV and calorie information, tasting notes, and food pairings.
Further reading
- Here are the 10 Most Sought-after Sweet Red wines in the world!
- Also, check out these vivacious Moscato wine bottles - perfect for any celebration.
- Looking for Italian grape varietals? Explore these refreshing Pinot Grigio Wines.
Stella Rosa Sweet Red Wine: ABV, Calories & Sweetness at a Glance
| Style | Grape(s) | ABV | Calories/5oz | Sweetness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella Rosa Rosso | Brachetto (100%) | 5.5% | ~80 cal | Semi-sweet | ~$11 |
| Stella Rosa Red | Brachetto (100%) | 5.5% | ~80 cal | Semi-sweet | ~$13 |
| Stella Rosa Black | Brachetto (100%) | 5% | ~75 cal | Semi-sweet | ~$13 |
| Stella Rosa Royale | Nebbiolo, Barbera, Brachetto | 8% | ~100 cal | Semi-sweet | ~$13 |
| Stella Rosa Imperiale Rosso Lux | Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano | 7.5% | ~95 cal | Semi-sweet, sparkling | ~$16 |
| Stella Rosa Imperiale Black Lux | Brachetto | 7.5% | ~95 cal | Semi-sweet, sparkling | ~$15 |
| Stella Rosa Black Cherry | Muscat Blanc + black cherry | 5% | ~80 cal | Semi-sweet, fruity | ~$11 |
| Stella Rosa Blackberry | Italian varietals + blackberry | 5.5% | ~82 cal | Semi-sweet, fruity | ~$11 |
| Stella Rosa Blueberry | Italian varietals + blueberry | 5.5% | ~82 cal | Semi-sweet, fruity | ~$13 |
About Stella Rosa and the Riboli Family
Stella Rosa wines are produced by the Riboli family through San Antonio Winery, one of Los Angeles's oldest continuously operating wineries (founded 1917). The family sources its aromatic grapes from Piedmont's Asti region — the heartland of Italian Brachetto, Moscato, and other light, aromatic varieties that have been grown there for centuries. The combination of traditional Italian grape sourcing with California's wine marketing expertise has made Stella Rosa one of the fastest-growing wine brands in the US.
The Stella Rosa range is broader than just sweet reds — it includes Moscato d'Asti, Prosecco, sparkling rosé, and a wide range of fruit-infused wine beverages. But the sweet red wines, led by the Rosso, remain the brand's flagship and best-known expressions.
The 9 Best Stella Rosa Sweet Red Wine Styles
1. Stella Rosa Rosso — ~$11
Grapes: Brachetto (100%) | ABV: 5.5% | Style: Frizzante, semi-sweet
The original Stella Rosa and the wine that put the brand on the map. The Rosso was the first semi-sparkling Brachetto wine to be brought to America from Asti, and its combination of fresh strawberry and red cherry aromas with a lightly sweet, fizzy palate struck an immediate chord with US consumers. This is Stella Rosa at its purest and most Italian.
Tasting notes: Fresh strawberry, red cherry, violet, light red berry — clean, gently sweet, lightly sparkling finish
Food pairings: Beef enchiladas, aged Gouda and Pepper Jack cheeses, spicy pasta primavera, cheesecake with berries, grilled meats
2. Stella Rosa Red — ~$13
Grapes: Brachetto (100%) | ABV: 5.5% | Style: Frizzante, semi-sweet — part of the Luxury collection
The Stella Rosa Red is the flagship's sibling in the Luxury collection — same 100% Brachetto base but with a slightly richer fruit profile. Decadent ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, and red plum dominate the flavour profile.
Tasting notes: Ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, red plum — rich berry character with gentle effervescence
Food pairings: Strawberry shortcake, spicy cioppino, Asiago cheese, grilled pork, smoked salmon
3. Stella Rosa Black — ~$13
Grapes: Brachetto (100%) | ABV: 5% | Style: Frizzante, semi-sweet
At 5% ABV, Stella Rosa Black is the lightest member of the sweet red range — the perfect choice for casual occasions where even lower alcohol is preferred. The Brachetto grape delivers its characteristic dark berry concentration: blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry dominate, with a sultry, indulgent profile.
Tasting notes: Blackberry, raspberry, blueberry — dark, sultry, sweet berry profile with gentle bubbles
Food pairings: Fresh Manchego cheese, bratwurst in beer, black walnut ice cream, dark chocolate desserts
4. Stella Rosa Royale — ~$13
Grapes: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Brachetto | ABV: 8% | Style: Semi-sweet, lightly sparkling
The Royale steps up from the standard range with a blend of three popular Italian varieties. Nebbiolo and Barbera add structure and acidity to the Brachetto base, creating a slightly fuller-bodied wine with a more complex berry profile. At 8% ABV it is the strongest of the standard sweet red range, with a smooth finish and a fresh, natural flavour profile.
Tasting notes: Red berries (raspberry, strawberry, currant), gentle spice from Nebbiolo, smooth and fresh palate
Food pairings: Versatile with almost any food — serve chilled alongside cheese boards, pasta, light meats, or on its own
5. Stella Rosa Imperiale Rosso Lux — ~$16
Grapes: Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano | ABV: 7.5% | Style: Sparkling, semi-sweet
The Imperiale range represents Stella Rosa's step-up tier — fuller bubbles, more complex Italian blends, and premium packaging. The Rosso Lux uses three of Italy's most respected red varieties, creating a richer, more structured sparkling red with fresh strawberry and red cherry flavours backed by the depth of Sangiovese and the colour intensity of Montepulciano.
Tasting notes: Fresh strawberry, red cherry, violet — vivid, fruit-forward with good structure from the Nebbiolo/Sangiovese blend
Food pairings: Grilled salmon with fresh fruit and red berry salad, Brie cheese and poached pears, risotto
6. Stella Rosa Imperiale Black Lux — ~$15
Grapes: Brachetto | ABV: 7.5% | Style: Sparkling, semi-sweet
The Black Lux is the Imperiale tier version of the classic Stella Rosa Black — fully sparkling (spumante) rather than lightly sparkling (frizzante) for a more celebratory effervescence. A bouquet of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with a lively, spritzy character makes it an excellent choice for parties and toasts.
Tasting notes: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries — vibrant, sweet, celebratory character
Food pairings: Greek pasta salad, grilled mango chicken, dark chocolate truffles
7. Stella Rosa Black Cherry — ~$11
Grapes: Muscat Blanc with black cherry distillates and purée | ABV: 5% | Style: Frizzante, semi-sweet
A proprietary Stella Rosa wine — a blend of Italian Muscat Blanc grapes with natural black cherry distillates and purée. The result is intensely cherry-forward with a tart, just-picked-cherry quality that distinguishes it from the pure Brachetto expressions. One of the most fruit-specific wines in the range.
Tasting notes: Tart black cherry, sweet cherry, slight citrus undertone — intensely fruity and refreshing
Food pairings: Camembert cheese, spicy Asian cuisine, chocolate and cinnamon desserts, cherry-glazed pork
8. Stella Rosa Blackberry — ~$11
Grapes: Italian red varietals with natural blackberry flavours | ABV: 5.5% | Style: Frizzante, semi-sweet
The Blackberry's natural fruity flavours of bright blackberry strike a nice balance between tartness and sweetness. The natural blackberry character shines beautifully, making this frizzante red a versatile match for salty, spicy, and sweet occasions alike.
Tasting notes: Bright blackberry, red berry, tartness balanced by sweetness — vibrant and refreshing
Food pairings: Mixed nuts and blue cheese, spicy cuisine, sweet cheesecake bars, BBQ chicken
9. Stella Rosa Blueberry — ~$13
Grapes: Italian red grape varietals with natural blueberry distillates and purée | ABV: 5.5% | Style: Frizzante, semi-sweet
The Blueberry is a proprietary blend of Italian red grape varietals infused with natural blueberry distillates and purée. The first whiff greets you with an intoxicating aroma of fresh blueberries — a harmonious blend of bright red berries and citrus fruits on the palate.
Tasting notes: Fresh blueberry, bright red berries, citrus — clean, vibrant, and summery
Food pairings: Spicy dishes, blue cheese, fresh cut fruits, light summer salads
How to Serve Stella Rosa Sweet Red Wine
All Stella Rosa sweet red wines should be served chilled — this is one of the most important serving notes for the entire range:
- 46–55°F (8–13°C). Place in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before serving, or in an ice bucket for 20–30 minutes. Cold temperatures emphasise the wine's freshness and keep the sweetness from feeling heavy
- A standard white wine glass or tulip glass works better than a tall narrow flute — the wider opening allows the aromas to develop fully
- Re-cork and refrigerate. Consume within 3–5 days for best quality. The light carbonation fades relatively quickly once opened
Stella Rosa vs. Similar Sweet Red Wines
| Wine | ABV | Price | Style |
Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella Rosa Rosso | 5.5% | ~$11 | Brachetto frizzante | The original US sweet Italian red — accessible, fruit-forward |
| Roscato Rosso Dolce | 7% | ~$12–14 | Blend frizzante |
Slightly higher ABV; Croatina/Teroldego/Lagrein blend vs Brachetto |
| Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG (Banfi Rosa Regale) | 7% | ~$20 | DOCG sparkling |
More complex, rose petal aromatics; higher quality tier; DOCG protection |
| Lambrusco Amabile (Cleto Chiarli) | 8% | ~$15 | Frizzante, semi-sweet | More terroir-driven; food wine tradition of Emilia-Romagna |
| Carlo Rossi Sweet Red | 9% | ~$4–5 | Still, semi-sweet |
No bubbles, higher ABV, significantly cheaper — different occasion |
For drinkers who enjoy Stella Rosa and want to explore further, Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG from producers like Banfi Rosa Regale or Braida is the natural next step — it offers the same aromatic rose-petal and strawberry character in a DOCG-protected, more complex expression at a modest price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Stella Rosa wine taste like?
Stella Rosa sweet red wines taste of fresh berry fruit — strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and blackberry depending on the style — with a lightly sweet, softly sparkling character and low tannin. They are approachable, refreshing, and easy-drinking. The sweetness is semi-sweet rather than cloying, and the gentle effervescence keeps them feeling fresh.
How much alcohol is in Stella Rosa wine?
Stella Rosa sweet red wines range from 5% ABV (Stella Rosa Black, Black Cherry) to 8% ABV (Stella Rosa Royale). The flagship Stella Rosa Rosso is 5.5% ABV. These are among the lowest-alcohol red wines available, significantly lighter than standard dry red wine at 13–14% ABV.
How many calories are in Stella Rosa wine?
Approximately 75–105 calories per 5 oz glass depending on the style. The lowest-ABV styles (Black, Black Cherry at 5% ABV) run approximately 75–80 calories. Royale at 8% ABV is around 100–105 calories. All Stella Rosa styles are lower in calories than standard dry red wine (~122 cal/glass at 13.5% ABV) due to their much lower alcohol content.
Where can I buy Stella Rosa wine?
Stella Rosa is one of the most widely distributed Italian-style wine brands in the US. Available at Total Wine, Kroger, Walmart, Target, BevMo, Total Wine, and most grocery stores with a wine section. Also available online through Vivino, Drizly, and wine.com. The $11–16 price range makes it accessible at virtually all retail tiers.
Is Stella Rosa a good wine?
For its intended purpose — affordable, approachable, lightly sweet Italian-style frizzante wine — Stella Rosa delivers consistently at its price point. It is not a complex wine for serious collectors, but it fills a genuine market need and the brand's sourcing from Piedmont's Asti region gives it authentic Italian credentials that budget alternatives lack.
Last updated: June 2026 | Vinovest editorial team | Data sourced from San Antonio Winery, Wine-Searcher, and the original Vinovest Stella Rosa guide
