DIET-conscious Australians are driving a new trend towards lower-alcohol wines, which are soaring in popularity.
For the first time Weight Watchers has endorsed a wine range - the new low-alcohol Balance range from Hunter Valley family winery McWilliam's. And another low-alcohol wine, the Jacob's Creek Sparkling Moscato, has been named official Australia Day Wine of the Year.
Consumer research conducted by McWilliam's found many wine drinkers want lighter, more refreshing styles of wine that better align to their lifestyle.
The McWilliam's Balance range has 8.5 per cent alcohol, a third lower in alcohol and a third lower in kilojoules than a standard bottle. One glass has a Weight Watchers points value of one, as is highlighted on the label, and equals one standard drink.
''We're really pleased to have this endorsement,'' McWilliam's winemaker Jim Brayne said. ''It's fulfilling to know that we're giving a lower-kilojoule and lower-alcohol option to people who like to enjoy a glass of wine. This is about making dining out and entertaining a lot easier.''
Dietitian and Weight Watchers adviser Emma Stirling said being able to still enjoy the foods (and wines) people loved, while losing weight, was key to the Weight Watchers program.
The Balance range comprises a semillon sauvignon blanc and shiraz selling at $16.99.
The Jacob's Creek Sparkling Moscato, which has just 9 per cent alcohol as against 15 to 16 per cent for big South Australian reds, is the first moscato to be named the official Australia Day wine.
The brand was only launched last year and sells for $12.99. ''Sales have far exceeded our expectations - there is a real curve among consumers to lighter, lower-alcohol wines,'' Jeanine Bribosia from Jacob's Creek said.
Industry figures show that the lower-alcohol table wine category has almost doubled in size in the past 12 months and continues to grow strongly.
Peter Nixon, national fine wine manager for Dan Murphy's, has noticed a surge in sales of ''light sparkling wines such as local and imported moscato''. Brown Brothers Zibibbo has been a success in this category, alongside moscatos such as Wirra Wirra's Mrs Wigley and Innocent Bystander.
Central Victorian winery Mitchelton recently added a low-alcohol moscato to its Preece range in a bid to capture a share of the growing health-conscious section of the market.
The Preece 2009 Lighter In Alcohol Moscato ($15.99) has just 6 per cent alcohol by volume.
''While alcohol does contribute to mouthfeel, aroma and flavour impression, lower alcohol levels will expose and highlight the purity of fruit as well as the crisp acidity and freshness in the mouth,'' winemaker Ben Haines said.
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