Lower alcohol wines become a fashion icon

Published: 23 July, 2008

UK consumers are warming to lower alcoholic wine as their favourite tipple, new research shows.

Other key findings from the report launched in time for the London International Wine and Spirit Fair (LIWSF) include:

white wine is still more popular than red;

the growth in ros is driven by regular ros drinkers drinking more of the same rather than a significant growth in the number of new consumers;

Chardonnay is still the top white wine varietal, but Pinot Grigio is challenging Sauvignon Blanc for second place;

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon lead the red varietals from Shiraz and Pinot Noir;

consumers still prefer wines from Australia over French wines although there appears to be a slight decline;

consumers who buy the most recognised American brands do not always associate them with the USA;

one in three consumers say they spend up to 4.99 in the off-trade.

Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the WSTA, said: "The findings from our first Consumer Intelligence Report support our veiw that consumers are interested in a wider range of lower alcohol wines particuarly when they are drinking them midweek or at lunch-time.

"Retailers and wine producers are also interested in expanding the range of lower alcohol wiens they can offer consumers."

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