Wine Profiles

Australia

Australian wine is enjoying dynamic success in the UK market. Sales have more than doubled over the last three years and continue to grow at a rapid rate. The generous fruit and ripe full flavour of the wines combined with consistency in style and quality has proved enormously popular with the wine consumer, making Australia the fastest growing wine supplier in the UK. Branded ranges at varying price levels provide an opportunity for trading up. Extensive vineyard plantings in Australia will ensure that production keeps up with demand!

Heavily supported brands dominate this category
Best selling lines often consist of two grape varietals: eg. Semillon Chardonnay, Shiraz Cabernet

New Zealand

Whilst still a relatively small category, wines from New Zealand are causing quite a stir! Famous for their white wines, espacially Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand produces wines of exceptional quality, full of fruit and flavour.
Retail prices are typical £2-£3 higher than Australia, but this is a fast growing, quality category!

Dominated by key brands, wines are usually over £5 but allow customers to trade up. Keep one style as a minimum in your chiller cabinet.

U.S.A

California is seeing record sales growth with its well priced ranges and skilfully marketed wine brands. The warm climate of California produces pleasant easy drinking wine styles readily appreciated by the wine drinker whether labelled as generic Californian or with the name of a familiar grape variety.

Big brands are driving the growth
Grape varietals dominate: Chardonnay, Colombard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Cabernet, Zinfandel

South America

The quality of Chilean wine has long been recognised as a contender to classic European wine and sales continue to grow healthily. The major Chilean vineyards benefit from a climate which produces vibrant well balanced wines: delicious, curranty Merlots and Cabernets and aromatic, 'tropical' fruits Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. More recently, Argentina has experienced considerable growth in the UK market with its full flavoured wines.

Best selling Chilean styles: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec is Argentina's best selling red.

South Africa

Wines from South Africa are increasingly well regarded by the consumer and have gained a firm following. The temperate climate in South Africa produces pleasant, medium bodied wines that are well priced and easy to appreciate.

Pinotage red is unique to South Africa. Chenin is South Africa's best selling white style.

France

France holds over 20% volume share of UK market 'off ' trade sales and retains considerable consumer loyalty with its reputation for quality and diversity. Whilst demand has remained strong for wines from the classic areas of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone and the Loire, growth has largely come from the 'country' or 'vin de pays' wines of the south whether labelled under the name of the grape variety or simply under the regional designation.

Italy

Italian wine remains popular with its quaffable wine styles and consumer loyalty with such familiar names as Valpolicella and Chianti, and Soave and Frascati. Its range extends from simple 'vino da tavola' and Lambrusco to more classic and top quality reds like Barolo or the white Orvieto from Lazio.

Italian wines, especially red, go well with pizzas and pasta.

Spain / Portugal

Spain is certainly best known for its classic Rioja but other regions of Spain offer wines of interest and value. The fruity Tempranillo grape variety has gained increasing popularity with consumers and the table wines from La Mancha and Valencia still represent excellent value.

Portugal produces full bodied reds, refreshing white Vinho Verde and pleasant rosé wines.

Eastern Europe / Others

Eastern Europe offers competitively priced well known varietal wines, whether Cabernet Sauvignon from Bulgaria, Chardonnay from Hungary, or Pinot Noir from Rumania. The wines are robust in style and of good value.

Germany

The unique style of German white wine - fresh, light, fruity and aromatic - retains a strong following from a large number of wine consumers. Price levels are attractive and familiar brands and wine names are important to give reassurance to the customer.

Wine Boxes

Don't forget that it's always a good idea to stock wine boxes at key times of the year, such as for Christmas and for Summer barbecues.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines continue to grow as consumers discover that they can buy excellent quality at an affordable price. Own Label accounts for half of this market and your wholesaler will help you to select the right range.
Spanish sparkling wines (known as Cava) are excellent value retailing at £4 -£6 whilst New World sparkling wines from Australia, USA and New Zealand are producing high quality wines retailing at £5 -£10 (well below Champagne prices).

Champagne

Although you may stock champagnes in a more secure area rather than the fixture, you must offer these celebration drinks as part of your range. You may consider stocking main brands like Moet & Chandon or Lanson Black label plus your wholesaler's recommendations.

Don't Forget

• To stock Buck's Fizz for party goers.
• To keep a good selection in the chiller cabinet.
• To stock a sparkling rosé wine
• If you are unsure about selecting your range, get advice from your wholesaler.
• Look at our wine blueprint wine wheels for more information.