Sunny tipples

Nothing evokes summer as much as a crisp glass of rosé or a chilled sparkling processo while sitting on a sunny terrace or a garden in full bloom. Drinks Industry Ireland looks at some of the top wine brands and what they have to offer this summer season

Irish wine tastes are expanding. WineSpark, the premium Irish wine subscription service, has released its latest trends report and the results show that while the big five grapes – tempranillo, shiraz, pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc still have the biggest market share, they dropped by 21% (from 56% to 48%) in 2022 versus the year before.

Customer preference looks to be moving towards less common white wines, with riesling up 56%, Albariño up 33%, and verdejo up 29%. On the flip side, chardonnay lost 36% of its market share over the last 12 months.
Fuller-bodied red wines including cabernet sauvignon (down 42%) and malbec (down 28%) both saw a decrease in sales. Preferences now appear to be leaning towards lighter red wines such as gamay and mencía.

When it comes to countries, the big three still dominate with 66% of the market between them. France tops the list with 32% market share. Spain is at 25% and continues to grow. Italy is at 10%, with sales growing 33%. Other big movers included Germany (up 17%) and Chile which saw an increase of 21%.

Interestingly enough, those opting to try something different were mainly positioned outside of Dublin. Longford, Leitrim and Monaghan were the most adventurous counties, as defined by the highest percentage of wines ordered outside of the top five grape varieties. Cavan is the rosé capital of Ireland, with subscribers drinking two and a half times more rosé than the rest of Ireland.
Connacht and Munster bought the most red wine, while Ulster bought the most white (43% of sales, versus 33% for the rest of Ireland).

Eamon FitzGerald, founder at WineSpark said: “It’s really interesting to see how the Irish palate is evolving – it looks like people are continuing to embrace newer wine styles after two years of experimenting at home during the pandemic. We have a brilliant collection of talented winemakers making exciting wines outside of the traditional wine regions, so as this trend continues.” We now look at the main movers and shakers in the Irish market this season.

Traditionally untraditional

Viña Santa Rita’s brand, 120, has launched a new global campaign, “Traditionally Untraditional,” which is being rolled out in Ireland over the summer period. The campaign, which features Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Irelands best-selling white and red wines respectively, highlights Paula Jaraquemada, a key figure in Chilean independence who inspired the 120 line.

In an industry first, artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology bring Jaraquemada to life. Her face was digitally reconstructed using historical evidence and superimposed on a model to accurately depict her in the present day. This innovative approach emphasizes the brand’s tradition and adaptability.

Francisca Muñiz, corporate marketing director of Viña Santa Rita, stated, “120 is a traditional brand with over 50 years of history but is not stuck in the past. Its tradition and ability to adapt inspire us to face challenges, turning our history into the driving force behind the innovation and production of exceptional wines”

The campaign, headlined as “Defying tradition since 1818,” honours the brand’s unconventional origins and pays tribute to women who face challenges with determination. It includes a new bottle design featuring Paula Jaraquemada, a modern logo, textured labels, and a QR code on the back directing consumers to the 120 website.
The campaign also features OOH and television advertising, digital activations with two key influencers and in-store promotions which include gondola ends, and the 120 Hours competition, inviting global participants to win a trip to Chile, including visits to the historic winery and the iconic Torres del Paine.

Delightful summer wines

Ampersand Wines has a delightful selection of summer wines, perfect for enjoyment over the brighter days and longer evenings. The new offerings include a charming sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, two sophisticated rosés from France, and an organic and vegan trio from Spain. These wines promise to please the palate and come at attractive price points, making them accessible to all wine lovers.

Hailing from the renowned Marlborough region of New Zealand, the Massey Dacta Sauvignon Blanc is a unique addition to Ampersand Wines’ summer lineup. Priced at an enticing €16, this wine is expected to resonate well with Irish consumers, especially those in rural areas, thanks to its playful nod to the iconic Massey Ferguson tractor. This family-run vineyard transitioned from dairy farming to viticulture, offering a touch of nostalgia and authenticity.

The Glover family’s vineyard, located in the Dillons Point sub-region, benefits from fertile Kaiapoi silt loam soils and close proximity to the sea, adding a unique character to the wine. The wine itself is a vibrant representation of Marlborough’s terroir. It boasts a bright, hay-like colour with refreshing notes of lemon and lime, complemented by tropical hints of rock melon and passionfruit, and balanced with a touch of lemongrass Soupçon de Fruit Rosé de Loire from the Loire Valley offers a delightful blend of Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, and Gamay. At just €13, this wine stands out not only for its elegant packaging but also for its refreshing profile. Its bouquet of fresh raspberry, cherry, lemon, and grapefruit makes it a perfect companion for summer gatherings. The long cut-glass bottle and striking floral label will surely catch the eye, making it an excellent choice for both consumption and display.

Another highlight in Ampersand Wines’ collection is the Domaine Petit Candumy Rosé. This blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah hails from the Var department between Aix en Provence and St Tropez and is priced at €15. Its packaging features trendy pastel tones and rose gold embossing, appealing to modern wine enthusiasts. The wine exudes aromas of fresh peach, with subtle hints of raspberry and strawberry, making it an ideal pairing for shellfish or summer salads. Its elegant and sophisticated flavour profile combined with attractive packaging is sure to impress.
Also new to the Ampersand Wines portfolio is the Terrós range from Spain, featuring a rosé, red, and white wine. Each bottle in this range is 100% organic and vegan, embodying a commitment to sustainability and natural winemaking. Retailing at €15 each, these wines offer exceptional value.
The Airén/Sauvignon Blanc is a concentrated and complex wine, blending old Airén vines with Sauvignon Blanc, offering aromas of peach, apricot, guava, white flowers, and spices, with a hint of butter.

The Terrós Rosé Monastrell is a bold and elegant wine, full of freshness and vivacity, perfect for those seeking unique and authentic flavours. The Garnacha Monastrell Merlot blend balances peppery and fruity aromas with a smooth, complex palate, thanks to careful winemaking techniques that ensure soft tannins.

Ampersand Wines’ new summer collection offers something for everyone, from the nostalgic Massey Dacta Sauvignon Blanc to the elegant French rosés and the unique, sustainable Terrós range. These wines are perfect for summer enjoyment, whether for a casual gathering or a sophisticated evening.
If you would like more information or would like to stock any of these wines, please contact your Ampersand representative or call the Ampersand sales line on 01-4130150.

Graham Norton Wines reach the top 20 list

Arguably Ireland’s favourite West Cork native, Graham Norton’s wine brand has reached Ireland’s top 20 wine brands this year. The Graham Norton wine range is produced in collaboration with New Zealand’s Invivo and Graham Norton controls every aspect of the blending process for his wines, combining southern hemisphere grapes with ‘Norton hemisphere’ brilliance to create a super range of six wines. Invivo was founded by two Kiwi wine entrepreneurs TimLightbourne and Rob Cameron in 2008. In 2023, Graham and Invivo celebrated ten years of making award-winning wine together.
Graham’s range includes his best-selling (and awarded) Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand joined by a wildly popular New Zealand Rosé, Graham Norton’s Shiraz from and the most recent addition to the range is an Argentinian Malbec named He-Devil after Graham’s memoirs “The Lives and Loves of a He-Devil”.
“My he-devil was created to turn heads, break hearts and leave you wanting more… and it’s delivered on all counts,” says Norton.
In relation to bubbles GN Frizzante Bianco and the GN Frizzante Rosé are extremely popular in Ireland. Graham Norton’s wines are distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam

Can’t get you out of my head!

Kylie Minogue Wines is an exquisite, elegant portfolio of bespoke wines, crafted with passion and integrity. Launched in 2020 on Kylie’s birthday, the 28 May, the rosé quickly became one of the most successful launches in its category ever. Kylie Minogue Wines has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon with a glass of Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé sold every six seconds. [source: Nielsen EPOS volume sales- Total UK Off Trade to 11 March 2023] Kylie Minogue Wines has sold nine million bottles since launch (that’s over 43 million glasses of Kylie Minogue Wine poured) and is available to purchase in 31 countries.
Kylie Minogue now has five rosés in her wine portfolio – Sparkling Prosecco Spumante, Sparkling Prosecco Frizzante, Cotes des Provence, Signature Rosé and Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé.
This Signature range comprises two wines from France including the delicate pale-dry rosé made from Cabernet and Carignan grapes, a light and zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Gascony.
The latest addition is the delicious Prosecco Frizzante produced in the heart of Veneto on the picturesque hills of Gambellara. This wine is fresh and fragrant with a marked aromatic character rich in floral scents of acacia and wisteria flowers.
A little note from Kylie, “I am unbelievably humbled and thrilled by the global response to Kylie Minogue Wines. It has been incredible, and a testimony to the amazing producers and winemakers Kylie Minogue Wines have been lucky enough to work alongside. I have been incredibly touched by the joy our wines have brought to so many people.” Kylie Minogue Wines is proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Number one Aussie!

McGuigan Wines continues to outperform the market according to a recent report, McGuigan is now the No. 1 Australian wine brand in the off-trade. The Black Label range comprises a Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rose and Malbec. McGuigan shows its innovation having introduced McGuigan Frizzante to the market. This is a light style of sparkling full of lively yet delicate bubbles that give a crisp and refreshing sparkle.The latest addition to the McGuigan Portfolio is McGuigan Zero. Unrivalled taste, zero alcohol – for everyone, everywhere. McGuigan Zero is a trailblazer in its category. The range offers an unparalleled alcohol-free experience both on the nose and palate. Launching with Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling, McGuigan Zero is created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a truly beautiful tasting product. McGuigan wines are proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Don’t make me blush!

Villa Maria is Ireland’s number one New Zealand wine brand. Villa Maria’s extensive portfolio is one the most geographically and stylistically diverse and highly awarded range of premium wines by any New Zealand producer, fuelling consumer adoration and success across the globe. In Ireland, we have the Private Bin range available most famously known for the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and other varietals available such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Villa Maria wines have a fresh new look for the Private Bin range. Don’t worry the wine is the same outstanding quality just in a new contemporary pack. The high tier Cellar Selection Pinot Noir and the Reserve Wairau Sauvignon Blanc are also available in the Irish Market.
The most recent launch from Villa Maria is the beautiful Sauvignon Blush, sauvignon blanc with a hint of merlot. Zealand’s favourite white wine withZealand’s favourite white wine with

Zealand’s favourite white wine with a playful fun-factor that opens up a whole new occasion for Sauvignon Blanc. It’s 90% sauvignon blanc in fact, caressed with 10% merlot for a beautiful ‘Provence-like’ blush. Looks like rosé, tastes like sauvignon blanc. Villa Maria Wines are proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Serve up summer with Barefoot Wine

It’s time to get the party started and kick off summer in style with Barefoot Wine, the *Number 1 USA Wine brand in Ireland. Life’s more fun when we’re together, that’s why Barefoot has something for everyone with delicious wines that will have you reaching for another sip. There’s nothing like sipping on a crisp glass of Barefoot Pinot Grigio on a hot summer day while chowing down on some barbecue chicken or grilled veggies. If burgers are on the menu grab yourself a bottle of Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon or juicy Barefoot Merlot.

If you really want to capture the essence of summer in a glass, reach for Barefoot’s refreshing Rosé varieties like sweet Pink Moscato or fruity White Zinfandel – the perfect pairing for most seafood and shellfish. Full of summer notes, Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc shines when enjoyed alongside a fresh feta or goat’s cheese salad. Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay takes chardonnay to the next level and is the perfect accompaniment to grilled salmon or pork.

Fun, flavourful, and approachable, there is a Barefoot Wine for everyone. The range includes Barefoot Moscato, Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Barefoot Malbec, Barefoot Chardonnay, Barefoot Pink Pinot Grigio, Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay and Barefoot Pink Moscato alongside Barefoot Pinot Grigio, Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc, Barefoot Merlot and Barefoot White Zinfandel. Packed with big flavours and gorgeous aromas – there’s plenty to choose from!

Barefoot Wine is available from all good stockists, RRP €10.50. For more information:https://www.barefootwine.ie

*Source: Number 1 USA wine brand – Nieslen, total off-trade ROI, FY 2022, total wine

Got my mind set on you

Casillero del Diablo is Concha y Toro’s flagship brand and remains Ireland’s second most popular wine brand. In the last year, Casillero del Diablo have put in a fantastic brand performance on the Irish market, with value sales also increasing by +22.2%*. This was one of the strongest value growths in terms of the Top 10 wine brands this year.

Casillero del Diablo’s memorable marketing campaigns, combined with their quality-focused approach to winemaking, continue to entice Irish shoppers. Look out for their latest advertising campaign featuring the song ‘Got my mind set on You’ made famous by former Beatle George Harrison. The advertisement continues the tradition of exciting creatives on screen to promote the wine range, thereby keeping it front of mind with wine shoppers.

We will rock you!

With summer upon us, anticipation builds around sunny occasions for rosé to be enjoyed in the company of friends and family. If you like the minerality of a Sancerre, you will love Rock Angel, a powerhouse wine that will rival any rosé producer from Provence and beyond. One step up from the iconic Whispering Angel, Rock Angel is a must for serious rosé lovers; “It all started with a Whisper… now it’s time to Rock!”

Rock Angel is characterised by its shiny and transparent pale rosé color, delicate red berry aromas, and both floral and spicy notes. A touch of oak adds a creamy feel and texture to this rosé, creating a truly rich and racy palate experience. It blends a firm acidity with a long and silky finish, making it the perfect powerful, yet elegant wine. This rosé is the ultimate compliment to seafood and shellfish dishes, particularly oysters and grilled fish, smoked salmon and dill, and spaghetti a la vongole.

New design for Vina Sol

The story began in 1962 when Miguel Torres produced a small quantity of Parellada grapes, the traditional white variety of Alt Penedès, which gives the wine a fresh and fruity aroma.

In 2022, Vina Sol decided to redesign their bottles. The new label emphasised their most important symbol – the sun. The sun is a part of Vina Sol’s DNA. It was born close to the Mediterranean, and all Vina Sol
wines are developed in this sun-soaked land. The sun accompanies them in the winemaking process, as the winery
uses 100% solar energy from its own panels. From the vineyard to the cellar, everything is made with the sun. For
this reason, Vina Sol maintains its brightness and unique character.

In 2023, Findlater launched Vina Sol Sauvignon Blanc in the Irish market, aligning with Vina Sol’s vision of strengthening their global presence in the white wine category. This year, we are bringing the VS Summer Edition to enhance the concept of ‘from the vineyard to the glass’ through the essence of the sun. Find your bottle on the shelves of major retailers like Tesco, SuperValu, and Dunnes.