Jean-Philippe Perrouty, director, Wine Intelligence, told BeverageDaily.com flavoured wines such as Rosé Pamplemousse (Rosé grapefruit) are in the top three aperitifs for the 18-34 years age group.
“This is a major trend in French wine. It is mainly young consumers and we see it is one of the top wines in the 18 – 34 years age group,” he said.
Rosé Pamplemouse has a lower alcohol content (8-10% ABV) and is inexpensive. They also have an “easy going taste,” according to Perrouty. “These wines are approachable,” he added.
Wine is still in strong demand as an aperifit at dinner parties. “It is a very typical, authentic French thing to do, and it’s very hard for beer and spirits to fight this ground,” said Perrouty.
Wine trends
It also matches a trend where people are moving evening meals from the dining room to the living room.
“Dinner at the table is still predominant. But there is a trend towards more relaxed gatherings. In this context, wine fits very well,” Perrouty said.
Flavoured wine is the fastest growing beverage category in off-trade sales. In March 2013, flavoured wines/sangria sales had grown +45.2%, compared to the same period in 2012 (Market researchers IRI in Rayon Boissons, June 2013).
‘The Aperifit and Wine – New Consumption Trends’ will be presented at Vinisud on February 26. Other presentations at the show include World Trends in Rose Wines, Wines of Lebanon, Organic and Biodynamic wines, and Climate Impact on Wine Quality.
Vinisud is an international exhibition of Mediterranean wines and spirits on February 24-26 in Montpellier, France. There will be exhibits, master classes, tasting sessions and seminars.