Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
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lion 12-bottle cases annually. When I asked Bob Trinchero, owner and chairman of Sutter HomeWinery and Trinchero Family Estates, to account for Sutter Home White Zinfandel’s success, he replied: “Our team strives for quality and consis- tency, vintage after vintage, to always deliver the consumer the experience they expect from Sutter Home.” A further factor, he believes, is the wine’s “clean, fruity style that continues to be sought after by our loyal consumers.” Another factor is the wine’s penetration of the market. “We need to recognize the important support we receive on an on-going basis from our wholesaler network in keeping our White Zinfandel easily accessible to retailers and restaurateurs all over the U.S.,” stated Trinchero. Three Top-Value Rosés Retailing for Under $12 Folie à Deux Winery “Menage à Trois” Rosé (California) Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel (Sonoma County) Toad Hollow Vineyards “Eye of the Toad” Dry Pinot Noir Rosé (Sonoma County). White Zinfandel’s popularity rests on its fruitiness, moderate alcohol, no tannin, and mild taste on the palate. Its color ranges from pale pink to medium rose, and its sweetness level goes from off-dry to quite sweet, depending on the producer. White Zin is best consumed chilled, which suits the way that many Americans like their beverages. Despite Sutter Home’s amazing success, “Beringer’s White Zinfandel continues to be the best-selling White Zinfandel across the United States by dollar value,” commented Elizabeth Hooker, Director of Beringer’s Public Relations-Fine Brands. “The wine’s light and refreshing profile has made it a favorite with consumers since its launch in 1983,” continued Hooker. “Beringer’s White Zinfandel is vini- fied as a true Blanc de Noir Rosé, from grapes harvested from California vineyards at higher Brix for maximum flavor and ripeness. The resulting wine is both approachable and affordable, and a trusted choice from a winery with a rich, classic her- itage.” Today, Beringer Vineyards pro- duces the largest-selling white Zinfandel; it’s pale pink in color and dryer than most other Zinfandels. Other leading white Zinfandels include De Loach Vineyards; Woodbridge (by Robert Mondavi); Terra d’Oro (formerly Monteviña; owned by the Trinchero family, owners of Sutter Home); E. & J. Gallo (who also produce Turning Leaf White Zinfandel); Fetzer’s Valley Oaks; and Glen Ellen. White Zinfandel remains California’s third-largest selling varietal wine today, after Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Apart from the blush wine category, many rosé wines in the U.S.— especial- ly California —are now being made in a dry or off-dry style, and they are in demand. By 2007, rosé wines had increased in sales over 50 percent in a five-year period, and are still going strong, despite the general slowing down of wine sales in the past few years. One main reason is the attractive retail price of rosés. White Zinfandels are mainly in the $5 to $10 range, with most closer to $5; and the dry-style rosés are primarily in the $12 to $20 range. Sutter Home White Zinfandel began the popular white zin craze in the U.S.; Beringer White Zinfandel is another top-seller. California’s dry rosés come in many varieties; the four most-popularly used varieties are Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Grenache and Syrah (the last two often combined). Grape varieties are often, but not always, listed on the wine label. It is no accident that rosé wines have captured the fancy of wine consumers. It is a modern wine: pretty to look at, easy-drinking, food-friendly and very affordable. And it’s available in dry, off-dry, and sweeter styles. Viva Rosé! Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2011 • 65