A new wine initiative by the New Zealand wine industry has launched in Australia, offering a selection of lighter-in-alcohol wines at major retailers across the country.
The NZ Lighter wine initiative is focused on the natural production of lighter-in-alcohol wines, defined as wines containing less than 10 per cent alcohol by volume.
Supported by 18 New Zealand wine companies, the new initiative involved collaboration and research into all aspects of lighter-in-alcohol wines, while maintaining the quality, flavour and varietal expression the country is known for.
Australian retailers, including Endeavour Drinks and Coles Liquor, are responding to consumer demand and trends towards moderation and more mindful alcohol consumption.
“Moderation is one of the key trends in Australia and lower alcohol offerings are growing in popularity with our customers across all categories,” said Dan Murphy’s head of fine wine Andrew Sheddon.
“We’ve been responding to the shifting drinking habits for some time and we continue to adjust our range to accommodate more products aligned with this trend.”
“Pleasingly the quality of lower alcohol wines we’re seeing has improved significantly in the last few years and, as a result, are increasingly becoming an appealing option for consumers. Dan Murphy’s welcomes the NZ Lighter wine initiative.”
Research commissioned by the NZ Lighter initiative found 50 per cent of Australian premium wine drinkers were open to purchasing lighter-in-alcohol wine, providing it does not compromise on quality and flavour.
It also found one in three Australians either moderated or abstained from consuming alcohol on specific occasions in the past three months.
NZ Lighter Wines brands available in Australia include, Brancott Estate Flight, The Doctors’ and Giesen Pure Light, and can be found in Dan Murphy’s, BWS, First Choice, Liquorland and selected independent stores.
For a full list of brands available, click here.
