Retailers Leverage The Sparkling Wine Boom

With sparkling wine sales bubbling over lately, retail players are aiming to make the most of the segment’s popularity during its biggest selling season. In Texas, retailers are seeing sparkling wine’s shift into mainstream consumption. “Sparkling consumption as an everyday libation has taken hold this last year,” says Sandra Spalding, director of marketing at Austin, Texas-based Twin Liquors Fine Wine & Spirits, which has more than 90 stores in the Lone Star State.

The popularity of rosé is fueling sparkling wine growth as well. “Pink sparkling is moving,” Spalding says. Popular offerings at Twin Liquors include Castell de Sant Pau Rosé Cava ($10.99 a 750-ml.) and Natale Verga Rosé Prosecco ($12.99). Rosé bubblies are driving gains in other markets as well. “There is an increase in rosé Champagne and rosé Prosecco,” adds Peter Landolt, wine director of Viscount Wines & Liquor in Wappingers Falls, New York. “It parallels the growth in rosé nationwide.”

Some major Champagne brands might not keep pace with demand this holiday season, but smaller brands may seize the opportunity. “We are well positioned with inventory across the board on sparkling wine, with some supply interruptions on specific items,” Spalding says. “The demand for Champagne has been outpacing supply, but this trend has allowed space for the consumer to make new discoveries in other sparkling categories.”

Spalding notes that Crémant, Prosecco, Cava, and some California sparklers are still priced at tremendous value. “Brands like Mionetto Prosecco DOC ($12 a 750-ml.) and Chemin D’Or Blanc De Blancs Brut ($11) still come in under $15, and trusted names like J Vineyards California Cuveé ($37) can be great alternatives to Champagne.”

Consumers are also widening their repertoires within the Champagne segment itself, Landolt says. “The majority of customers don’t have a specific brand in mind. More people are willing to try lesser-known Champagne brands, such as David Coutelas Brut Cuvée Tradition ($32),” he says. They’re discovering the true Champagne is worth the money.” Market Watch has more.

GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT 2021 DATA AND 2022 PROJECTIONS FOR THE WINE AND SPIRITS INDUSTRIES. ORDER YOUR 2022 IMPACT DATABANK REPORTS. CLICK HERE.