M&S launches lower calorie wine range
The Sumika range is made in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in conjunction with Journey's End winery. The name for the reduced calorie and alcohol range - 'Sumika' - means 'light' in Japanese.
M&S winemaker Sue Daniels said: “Using clever blending and space age spinning cone technology we’ve together created this range which is lower in alcohol and calories by over 30% yet still – most importantly – retains its character and flavor.”
“As we’ve seen in our food halls, customers are increasingly aware of their calories and are looking for options which fit into with their lifestyles, yet don’t compromise on the quality or flavor.
"It’s taken us a while to perfect this balance, and we’re excited to see what customers think.”
An average 125ml glass of wine at 13% ABV contains 114 calories, according to drinkaware.co.uk (90 calories per 100ml).
The Sumika wines are:
Sauvignon Blanc – 50 calories per 100ml; 8.5% ABV, £7.50 – “Light, elegant and refreshing with flavors of elderflower, passionfruit and peach.”
Shiraz – 52 calories per 100ml, 8.5% ABV, £7.50 – “Rounded and smooth with a hint of oak, this wine has mocha, blackberry and spice notes.”
Rose – 52 calories per 100ml, 8.5% ABV, £7.50 – “Light, elegant and refreshing with flavours of wild strawberries and raspberries.”
Consumer interest in health and wellness is opening the door for lower alcohol beverages: with consumers seeking to reduce their calorie consumption.
Earlier this year, UK supermarket Tesco launched its low alcohol wine range (which come in at less than 0.5% ABV), joining its dedicated section on shelves for beers, wine and spirits under 0.5%.
A similar trend is seen in beer: with the launch lower and no alcohol beers such as Heineken 0.0% (alcohol free, 69 calories per 33cl bottle) and Beck’s Blue (alcohol free, 53 calories per bottle). These compare to an average of 142 calories per 33cl bottle (calculated using drinkaware.co.uk).
