Summer Vines
A report released by Drinks Ireland in 2022 reveals that white wine remains the most popular in Ireland with a 48% market share, with red wine holding a 45% share. Rosé has become increasingly popular in Ireland in recent years particularly during summer months. While its market share remained static in 2021, it has grown from 3% in 2016 to 7% in 2021. Meanwhile, Chilean, Spanish and Australian wine are the top three most popular in Ireland respectively, with French wine coming in fourth. While Irish consumers face the highest excise on wine in the EU, with sparkling wine drinkers paying ‘double taxation’ it still remains the nation’s second most popular drink after beer, with a market share of 29.3%, down by 2.9% last year.
Jonathan McDade, director of Wine at Drinks Ireland says they are calling for a decrease in excise to put a stop to what he calls a tax on special occasions.
“We are calling for a 15% decrease on excise on wine over the next two budgets. As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, Irish consumers face the highest excise on wine in the EU, which is €3.19 on a standard bottle. For sparkling wine drinkers, the excise hit is doubled with a rate of €6.37 on a standard bottle. This is effectively a tax on life’s celebrations and special occasions. This disproportionate high level of tax must urgently be addressed at this challenging time.“
Meanwhile globally, wine in the premium-and-above price band grew by 12% in value last year and is forecast to increase in value by 16% between 2021 and 2026. In its latest global beverage alcohol report IWSR points out that global volumes of still wine were down 2% last year but value was up by 5% as the ‘less but better’ trend continues to underlie the trajectory of the still wine category. De-alcoholised wines are also growing in popularity as people make lifestyle choices to drink less alcohol and brands have reacted by introducing no and low wine varieties to the market
A glass of wellness
Santa Rita 120 0% de-alcoholised wines are the perfect alternative for those who choose not to drink alcohol
With two in five wine drinkers globally reducing their alcohol consumption Santa Rita is continuing to beat the drum for this category with their Santa Rita 120 ‘0%’ de-alcoholised wine. Available as a sauvignon blanc or cabernet sauvignon, these are the perfect alternative for those who choose not to drink alcohol. The wine is made using traditional methods with the spinning cone column distillation process used to de-alcoholise the wine after alcoholic fermentation is completed. The spinning cones gently and repeatedly spin the wine out into thin liquid films, simultaneously a cool vapour created from the wine itself rises from below and carries off all the lightest molecules in the liquid. The process is repeated until the desired level of alcohol is reached. This is a very gentle and sympathetic technique which works well in reducing alcoholic content yet retains the delicate aromas and flavours of the wines.
According to Terry Pennington, export commercial director of Santa Rita Estates: “Research has shown that regular wine drinkers have been decreasing over the last couple of years and consumers are now shopping with mental and physical wellness in mind. Current trends are towards healthier lifestyles and more moderate alcohol consumption with the younger generations looking for low/no alcohol alternatives. The addition of our Santa Rita 120 ‘0%’ alcohol wines is perfect for those looking for low and no alcohol alternatives without compromising taste, flavour, or enjoyment.”
Dedication to Georgian winemaking
Georgia, renowned for its ancient winemaking traditions, presents a captivating range of summer wines
that exemplify the country’s distinctive flavours and techniques. Notable among these wines are Badagoni
Tsinandali, Tsinandali Estate Natella, Nika Ma Fille, Peradze Mtsvane, and Baia Winery Pet Nat’s. Badagoni Tsinandali is a white wine crafted from the indigenous Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grape varieties. Its vibrant
acidity, coupled with a refreshing fruitiness, makes it a perfect choice for warm summer days. Tsinandali Estate Natella is another exceptional white wine, skillfully blending Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grapes to create a harmonious wine with delightful notes of citrus and tropical fruits. Peradze Mtsvane is a white wine made from the Mtsvane grape variety, known for its aromatic profile and crisp acidity. It offers a refreshing and vibrant experience, with flavours ranging from citrus to green apple.
Nika Ma Fille is a distinct amber wine made by the Nika winery, showcasing their dedication to traditional Georgian
winemaking. While there are several vintages of Nika Ma Fille wines, each with its own characteristics, they
typically demonstrate the unique qualities of Georgian wines, often using indigenous grape varieties and
traditional production methods.
To add some sparkle to your summer, Baia Winery Pet Nat is a sparkling wine produced using the ancestral method. Made from Tsitska and Aladasturi grape varieties respectfully, it boasts a lively effervescence and brings a playful touch to any celebration. These Georgian summer wine embody the country’s winemaking heritage, providing a glimpse into the diversity and complexity of Georgian viticulture. Whether you choose the Badagoni Tsinandali, Tsinandali Estate Natella, Nika Ma Fille, Peradze Mtsvane or Baia Pet Nats, each bottle offers a distinct and memorable experience that celebrates Georgia’s rich wine culture.
For further information contact Tasteofgeorgiaire@gmail.com or https://tasteofgeorgiaire.com
Cheers to a devilish summer
Casillero del Diablo Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc stands out for its freshness, displaying notes of tropical fruit and soft herbal touches
If you’re looking for a way to cool down this summer, Casillero del Diablo has the perfect solution for some devilish refreshment. Whether you’re partial to an easy-drinking rosé, a crisp sauvignon blanc or a more versatile chardonnay, this range of white wines will be sure to elevate your perfect drinking occasion. Starting with rosé, this wine is the perfect accompaniment to any summer event. With its fresh flavours of red berries, it embodies the perfect balance between acidity, minerality and delicateness. Casillero del Diablo Rosé is sure to be a real crowd pleaser.
Casillero del Diablo Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc stands out for its freshness, displaying notes of tropical fruit and soft herbal touches. It is expressive with citrus and grapefruit notes, paired with a lively acidity. Perfect to enjoy with fresh grilled fish or creamy cheeses. Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay has a fresh and fruity character with delicious notes of pineapple and peaches, balanced with soft hints of hazelnut. It’s well-structured with a fresh and lively acidity. Enjoy with grilled halloumi, fresh from the BBQ. To highlight this range, the brand will be active in all spaces featuring the “world’s hottest celebrity”, and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most
Starting with rosé, this wine is the perfect accompaniment to any summer event. With its fresh flavours of red berries, it embodies the perfect balance between acidity, minerality and delicateness. Casillero del Diablo Rosé is sure to be a real crowd pleaser. Casillero del Diablo Reserva EspecialSauvignon Blanc stands out for its freshness, displaying notes of tropical fruit and soft herbal touches. It is expressive with citrus and grapefruit notes, paired with a lively acidity. Perfect to enjoy with fresh grilled fish or creamy cheeses. Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay has a fresh and fruity character with delicious notes of pineapple and peaches, balanced with soft hints of hazelnut. It’s well-structured with a fresh and lively acidity. Enjoy with grilled halloumi, fresh from the BBQ. To highlight this range, the brand will be active in all spaces featuring the “world’s hottest celebrity”, and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People Of The Year, actor Pedro Pascal. Pascal, who this year has starred in big box office hits including Sky’s “The Last of Us” and the new season of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+, has helped to grow the visibility and appeal of Casillero del Diablo. Be sure to keep an eye out on campaigns featuring Pedro Pascal online and out of home!
Edward Dillon adds French brand to portfolio
Château Minuty is one of the last estates in the Côtes de Provence where grapes are harvested entirely by hand
Edward Dillon is delighted to announce the addition of Minuty wines to the Moët Hennessy Ireland portfolio of premium wines and spirits, as they become the distributor of Minuty in the Republic of Ireland. Château Minuty’s cuvées express the soul of long summer evenings in Provence. For four generations, the Matton-Farnet family has cultivated excellence, promoting a uniquely Provençal art de vivre with its collection of exquisitely fresh, exceptionally aromatic Minuty wines.
From the Gulf of Saint-Tropez to the world’s finest dining tables, a glass of Minuty is the epitome of convivial moments and shared pleasure. Château Minuty is one of the last estates in the Côtes de Provence where grapes are harvested entirely by hand. Each year, over 100 people join Minuty’s usual team of 20, where hands are kept busy for the duration of “les vendanges”, the cutting of the grape bunches one by one. Buckets fill quickly and are carried to vehicles that transport the fruit to the winery. Tractors are used in vineyards located on the estate, while faster trucks transport grapes from plots farther afield. This method is used so that the precious bunches can arrive at the press intact and in perfect condition, with no maceration or oxidation.
Andy O’Hara, Edward Dillon CEO, commented: “The addition of Minuty wines to the Moët Hennessy portfolio
is a wonderful opportunity for Edward Dillon. Rosé wines, and especially Provençal rosés, have seen a huge
rise in popularity in recent years. As distributors in Ireland, we will bring increased accessibility to the
category for our customers and consumers.”
Minuty is proud to unveil its 2022 vintage wines. The new vintages are a jewel, in the purest Minuty
style, light and elegant, vibrant and fresh. Although it was atypical, with plenty of unexpected twists, 2022
was a truly exceptional year in the vineyards. The grape harvest at the family estate began on 16 August, an
unusually early start, owing to a year of high temperatures and little rainfall. Throughout the vineyards in
the heart of Provence, the sound of secateurs kept up a lively rhythm andthe harvest was completed before
the week’s end. The winter of 2022 was unusually chilly, with a water deficit of 50%, but still the spring budburst was helped along by the vines’ resilience and the soil’s residual moisture. The warm weather early in the season fostered
rapid flowering. A water shortage coupled with high temperatures during the summer concentrated the grapes, thus limiting yields of juice. Ultimately, the 2022 harvest proved exceptional, producing magnificent wines that are wonderfully light, crisp and fresh.
Minuty Prestige Rosé (RSP €28) has stood as the symbol of quality rosé for more than 25 years. Minuty M (RSP €24) is pure pleasure, pure Provence and pure Minuty in a bottle. Pale pink and pearlescent, this rosé offers immediate pleasure with an intensely aromatic nose that evolves from tangy berry to tropical fruit notes. It pairs excellently with
summer salads or shellfish.
Minuty Prestige Rose is exclusively available in the on trade and can be found in Eleven, Loughlinstown.
Minuty M is available at Roly’s Bistro in Ballsbridge, JJ Gibney’s in Malahide and The Temple Bar Pub or from
independent wine stores including Whelehans Wines, Redmonds Ranelagh, Jus De Vine, Portmarnock
On The Grapevine, Dalkey, Martins Off Licence Fairview, 64 Wines Glasthule, Mitchell & Sons Sandycove, Higgins Clonskeagh, The Wine Centre Kilkenny, The Malt House Trim and D Six Wines Harolds Cross.
For more information email Tasteofgeorgiaire@gmail.com or visit https://tasteofgeorgiaire.com
A taste of Oz
John Casella’s vision for Yellowtail is to demonstrate that wine can be fun and easy to understand
Yellowtail, Ireland’s favourite Australian wine brand had a range of wines suitable for the summer months; From bold reds to pair with sizzling barbeques and refreshing whites to sip on while soaking in the sun. You can spot these distinctive wine bottles in any retail store by their eye-catching coloured labels and new gold medals. These gold
labels showcase that the brand has won over 550 awards including “The World’s Most Loved Wine Brand In The World”.
From its launch in 2001, Yellowtail has grown to be one of the world’s most recognisable wines. Today,
Yellowtail is made by the sixth generation winemaker of the Casella family at the family-owned winery in Yenda, Australia. John Casella’s vision for Yellowtail is to demonstrate that wine could be fun, easy to choose, easy to drink
and easy to understand. Yellowtail wine is the ideal wine to be paired with food and shared with friends. For example, pinot grigio, it will feel like you’ve made a little trip to Italy – without the long haul flight! It’s aroma is delightfully fresh, with hints of pear, red apples and kiwi fruit. The flavour is fresh and zesty bursting with red apple, pear and passionfruit flavours. It can be enjoyed with Asian inspired food and light salads on a warm
summer evening.
