Publish By : VinePair
The indigenous red variety was all but synonymous with Sicilian wine — robust, reliable, usually inexpensive, and widely available. Since it was (and is) grown throughout the island, there was no shortage of it, and plenty to export. It had buzz in the United States.
Moone-Tsai Winery has a lot of accolades, but its owners say this is their best bottle.
The data doesn’t lie: wine industry sales and tasting room visits have plummeted. As wine brands debate what to do next, Priest Ranch in Napa takes an accessible, inclusive, and sustainable approach.
The legendary Italian tenor is inviting fans to a once-in-a-lifetime winery experience, featuring unforgettable performances and exquisite culinary delights.
U.S. Wine Trade Alliance President Ben Aneff unpacks the economic outlook for the wine industry on “The Claman Countdown.”
By Madeleine Hayes, Assistant Account Executive at Colangelo & Partners
In recent years, Sicilian wines have captured the world’s attention due to their finesse, playfulness, and versatility. Each bottle of wine is its very own tile in the mosaic that is Sicily: diverse in terrain, altitude, climate and beauty. In an area as dynamic and diverse as Sicily, we look to wines to tell a story, and the wines of Sicilia DOC do just that. Uniquely representing a sense of place, Sicilia DOC wines feature native varieties that speak to their specific areas of origin. As the overall infatuation with Sicily grows, so does the demand for its wines and interest in learning more about this magnificent island.
A Brief Look at Sicilian Agricultural Exceptionalism
Sicily has long been recognized for its agricultural wealth. The island’s fertile soils, cooling breezes, mild climate, and central location made it a strategic military and agricultural possession (Nesto and Di Savino 6) and thus, Sicily has played host to a succession of foreign rulers throughout its history. The ancient Greeks shared vine-training techniques that allowed the island to produce wines prized by high-ranking officials in the Roman Empire (4, 7). The Ottomans’ skilled irrigation technology was employed during the prosperous period of Norman rule in the Middle Ages (9-11). Yet the promise of a notable future in modern Sicilian winemaking came in the nineteenth century with the English landing on the shores of Marsala and the early awakenings of Sicilian wine entrepreneurialism (26-31). Today, through the modernization efforts of leading local winemaking families, Sicilia DOC wines are impressing a more exacting modern audience as Sicilians once again let their land speak for itself (59-64).
The Rise of Sicilia DOC Today
Sicily has naturally found itself ahead of today’s wine trends by embracing non-interventionist, organic winemaking and focusing on limited plantings to ensure high grape quality (57). This approach has come easily to Sicilian winemakers and allows drinkers to sip Sicilia DOC’s most authentic, genuine expressions. Sicilia DOC is also cultivating its indigenous varieties, working to save and popularize grapes such as Grillo, Nero d’Avola, and Catarratto under the guidance of Wines of Sicilia DOC, the Consorzio dedicated to protecting the interests of wineries. The DOC’s focus on its land and native grapes cater well to the modern wine consumer looking to drink wines that tell a story, are environmentally friendly, and offer quality at affordable pricing.
Also, it should not be forgotten that the sheer beauty of Sicily has lent a great hand to it’s current popularity. HBO’s 2022 release of The White Lotus season set in Sicily unleashed a wave of tourism and has inspired many island – and winery – visits. In addition, a healthy interest in the island from Italian-Americans looking to learn more about their roots, tapping into on-trend interests in genealogy and travel, are also among the island’s visitors. All who visit the island are met with fruit-forward, food-friendly wines that transport drinkers back to Sicily’s lapping coastlines and rolling hills.
The Future of Sicilia DOC
Sicilia DOC’s future looks bright as indigenous grapes and sustainable practices are impressing consumers and wine experts worldwide. Travel and tourism allow Sicily’s beauty and charm to draw an audience well-primed to fall in love with the island’s wines. And as since ancient times, through all this, Sicily will share its agricultural wealth and grow stronger as diverse interests and cultures discover all that the island has to offer.
Sources
“2023 Summer Travel to Europe.” Hopper, media.hopper.com/research/2023-summer-travel-to-europe
Hengel, Livia. “Sicily Is Italy’s Leading Wine Region – Here’s Why.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 19 Jan. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/liviahengel/2022/01/18/sicily-is-emerging-to-be-italys-leading-wine-regionheres-why/
Mowery, Lauren. “A Beginner’s Guide to the Wines of Sicily.” Wine Enthusiast, 5 May 2023, www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/beginners-guide-to-the-wines-of-sicily/.
Nesto, Bill, and Frances Di Savino. The World of Sicilian Wine. University of California Press, 2013 “Wines of Sicily.” Wines of Sicily, 10 Feb. 2024, winesofsicily.com/
By Clara Frezza, Senior Account Executive at Colangelo & Partners
Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails are shaking up the beverage scene in the U.S., capturing taste buds with their evolution to keep up with the ever-changing spirits market. This growth is driven by a combination of factors, including convenience, the increasing demand for premium and diverse flavor options, and a shift toward conscious consumption of low-calorie beverages.
The RTD market is striving with innovation, as brands experiment with new ingredients, eye-catching packaging, and eco-friendly initiatives to win over the green-minded drinker. The pandemic has only accelerated the adoption of RTD cocktails as more consumers seek the bar experience at home. As we dive into the latest trends shaking the RTD market in 2024, discover the freshest product innovations, shifting consumer tastes, and the dynamic forces moving this exciting sector forward.
Premiumization and Flavor Innovation
One of the top trends in the RTD market is the premiumization of products (The IWSR). Consumers are increasingly looking for high-quality, spirit-based RTDs over malt-based beverages . This shift is driven by a desire for more complex flavors and higher alcohol content (Beverage Dynamics)
Flavor innovation remains crucial, with consumers gravitating towards unique and seasonal flavors. Autumnal and orchard fruits like apricots, peaches, and apples are being rediscovered, often paired with brown spirits to create sophisticated RTD options. Additionally, the market is seeing a rise in the popularity of savory and herb-infused cocktails, offering complex and balanced flavor profiles (Simpson Beverages). As consumers strive to meet their personal goals, beverage brands have significant opportunities to delve into adaptogens. Traditionally used in tea, these ingredients are now being added to a variety of products, including sparkling waters, ready-to-drink teas, and most recently, cocktails (Beverage Industry).
Packaging and On-Premise Consumption
Innovative packaging formats are also making waves in the RTD market. Single-serve cans remain popular, but there’s a growing trend towards larger formats like bag-in-box and resealable cans, which cater to gatherings and ease of use. Glass packaging is preferred by nearly half of the consumers, especially for premium products (The IWSR). Now, brands are also experimenting with larger-size glass packaging to pour over ice, rather than the traditional single-serve cans & bottles.
RTDs are breaking out of the mold and making a splash in bars and on-premise venues. These are being ordered at trendy experiential bars and airport lounges, with some bars even crafting their own signature ready-to-drink cocktails, some for sale exclusively on-premise, and others making it available for purchase off-premise as well.. This trend highlights the versatility and convenience of RTDs, securing their status as must-haves both at home and in the hottest social scenes. Whether you’re lounging at home or sipping at a stylish bar, RTDs are the go-to choice for a fuss-free drink (MarketWatch and Beverage Dynamics)
The Current Market and a Look Into the Future
The U.S. RTD market continues to grow, with significant year-on-year increases in value. In 2022, RTDs experienced the largest price increase per serving compared to other alcoholic beverages, reflecting their premiumization. Despite a slowdown in the hard seltzer segment, spirit RTDs are thriving, with a forecasted value of $21.1 billion by 2027 (The Spirits Business).
Cross-brand partnerships are becoming more common, as seen with collaborations between alcohol and non-alcoholic beverage companies. These partnerships leverage existing brand recognition and distribution networks, reducing entry barriers and expanding the market reach (The IWSR)
In summary, the U.S. RTD cocktail market is shifting towards premium, high-ABV, and flavor-packed creations. This trend mirrors consumers’ growing appetite for quality and unique taste adventures. Brands are stepping up their game with dynamic packaging that’s not only convenient but also a treat for the eyes and kind to the planet. The resurgence of on-premise consumption—thanks to the reopening of bars, restaurants, and social hotspots—has played a role in the market’s growth. All these factors point to a resilient market that’s only gaining popularity. This exciting landscape promises innovations for both drinkers and producers, as creativity continues to fuel growth and new opportunities in the RTD cocktail category.
