2019 saw us tasting the latest wine trends at McWilliams Wines HQ. A fun group in good cheer saying cheers. Lots. Fast forward to 2020 and tasting has by necessity gone virtual. Zoom has been a lifesaver during lockdown and now it may be the way we will taste and compare notes for a while. Which brings us to the Trends & Innovation Showcase 2020.
The trends showcase was hosted by Rowan Dean, Constellation’s Asia-Pacific VP of Commercial Development, Head Winemaker, Brett Fullerton and Australasian VP of Marketing Nina Stojnic. Wine enthusiasts were assembled from across the country to taste real, not virtual wine. AusPost had done its job and delivered some goodie bags and packs of Round Theory Pinot Grigio, State of Light Rosé and Rosé Svedka Vodka.
How things have changed
2020 also gave us Zoom cocktails and Friday night virtual catch-ups. And, with a bit of time on our hands, we started thinking more about what we drink. We are also considering the environmental implications of wine production. Collectively, we’re thinking more about sustainable drinking in the next-normal.
According to the Mintel report – “People First Then Planet: Sustainability post-Covid-19” it’s “probable that consumer interest in sustainability will surge post-pandemic if consumers view the pandemic as a precursor to global warming and as consumers more directly draw connections between their personal health and wellbeing to the planet’s health“.
Also, all that binge-watching Netflix made us realise we could do better, be better and feel better. Making considered choices to reduce alcohol intake has led to more, new low alcohol wines.
Good for our waistlines as well as the winemaker’s bottom line
Thirdly, we still love a good drink and flavoured spirits (with better flavour) and according to research, it’s what we will be drinking next year.
Here are just some of the drinking trends that will take us into 2021.
Round Theory for those who like their wine consciously crafted
We have to say our cousins across the ditch are known to craft a good drop. New Zealand is also one of the world’s sustainable winemaking powerhouses. Sustainable Winegrowing NZ™ is widely recognised as a leading sustainability programme and was one of the first when it launched in 1997.
Today, 96% of New Zealand’s vineyard producing area is Sustainable Winegrowing NZ™ certified, with 7% also operating under recognised certified organic programmes.
It should be noted studies reveal consumers are deliberately swinging to brands and services that are more sustainable. Round Theory Wines are heeding that call with a product that is sustainable, with bottles made from recycled materials that also look decidedly different.
Through its partnership with CarbonClick Round Theory Wines are climate positive. The vineyard offsets at least double the carbon emissions produced. This happens through four green projects providing renewable energy sources in New Zealand, Panama, India and Australia.
Likewise, the bottles are 30% lighter, 35% shorter and made from clear glass to improve recycling and lower the brand’s carbon footprint. The eye-catching labels on the round, squat bottles (great as water bottles for that next dinner party) are made from 100% recycled paper.
“The Round Theory wine range has been created for people who enjoy delicious and quality wine but want to ensure their purchase decisions are also positively contributing to our planet,” Rowan explained.
The range – Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and a White Field Blend is also vegan. We tried the Pinot Gris and Rosé. Both delightful summer drops that deliver flavour and great drinks for the pre-Christmas bash.
Round Theory is available now in Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market nationally at RRP $23.00.
STATE OF LIGHT – where less is more
Being more mindful goes way beyond wine drinking but it’s a good place to start. As many are spending more time thinking about their health, low and no-alcohol wines are now less a novelty and are fast becoming mainstream.
Once again, the Kiwis are leading the charge. This time in low-alcohol wine. The STATE OF LIGHT range – Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris and Rosé all are just 7% Alc/Vol. That’s 45% less alcohol than other table wines.
A vacuum steam distillation winemaking process called the ‘spinning cone method’ is used to carefully separate and preserve each varietal’s distinct characteristics whilst removing much of the alcohol. The result? A light Rosé with 35% fewer calories. Bonus! Maybe just the drop to partner all that festive feasting.
Add to your basket on your next trip to Dan Murphy’s BWS or First Choice Liquor Market. RRP $23.
And now for something completely different – Svedka Rosé Vodka
Don’t know if it’s girl power, Instagram or the rise in cocktail culture (maybe all of the above) but pink drinks are a thing. The rise of pink gin has been astonishing. Marketing ‘pink drinks’ is big business as female Millennials, in particular, look for novelty, low-calorie and lower-alcohol drinks that are made for the ‘gram.
Blush coloured Rosé might be so BC (before Covid). But a vodka with a Rosé twist? Ditch the rose-coloured glasses. This is THE must-have accessory to see out the year that was 2020.
The all-new Svedka Rose Vodka is free from the ‘prickle of heat’ that is usually part of drinking spirits. Crisp, clean with floral notes of hibiscus and a subtle fruitiness, it works equally well in cocktails or over ice with a big splash of sparkling water.
SVEDKA Rosé Vodka is available now at BWS and Dan Murphy’s nationally at RRP $49.00 (750ml bottle).
