This Christmas, red wine is predicted to be the most consumed beverage in Irish homes, reports Breaking News.
According to research, Merlot is the most popular wine in Ireland over the holiday season, and younger consumers are increasingly choosing natural wines.
According to the study, which was commissioned by Musgrave MarketPlace, 10% of drinkers will not drink wine on Christmas Day, while over one-third will choose red.
Despite Sauvignon Blanc reigns supreme as Ireland’s preferred grape type all year round, red is the seasonal choice notably among the older age groups with over 40 per cent of those between the age of 35-55 years choosing red above any other wine variety with their Christmas feast, reports Breaking News.
Prosecco and red wine shared a quarter of the vote among those aged 18 to 34, making them tied for the most votes.
However, Limerick residents defied the national trend and continued to enjoy Sauvignon Blanc throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
Nearly 60% of all drinkers stated that price is the most important factor when purchasing a bottle, with three-quarters planning to drink at home during the holiday season and only a third planning to eat and drink out this year. This is in light of the fact that many households are struggling due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, reports Breaking News.
A bottle of wine from an off-licence typically costs between €12 and €17. This is comparable to the typical price of €24–€35 for a bottle of wine in a restaurant or pub.
Price, however, is not a barrier for the 25% of people who consider themselves wine aficionados; rather, the nation or area of the wine will influence their decision to buy.
When choosing a bottle of wine, half of all drinkers in Limerick and Cork are most likely to follow a friend’s advice, reports Breaking News.
In terms of confidence when we do go out, the study also revealed a mixed bag: one third are eager to try and test the wine when it is provided, another third are not interested in tasting, and a third are “fudging” it while acknowledging they have no idea what they are doing.
According to Conor O’Brien, a wine sales specialist at Musgrave MarketPlace, it’s intriguing that natural wines are becoming more and more popular as people seek for sustainable and organic choices.
“With the festive season upon us, our research has shown us that with darker evenings brings a taste for darker wine. Red wine, particularly Merlot, is the top choice for Christmas Day, with almost 40 per cent of those aged 35-55 plus preferring it over other varieties. What’s very interesting is that fizzy options, while great for a celebration, have fallen down the pecking order, however natural wines are on the rise – as health-conscious consumers look to more organic and sustainable options both in the food aisle and in the off-licence. There’s now a bigger selection of natural wines on restaurant and wine bar menus, offering customers a point of difference,” reports Breaking News.
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