Fine wine in the sunshine

Discover a delightful selection of summer wines perfect for every occasion, from crisp whites and refreshing rosés to sparkling options, making this season a wine lover’s paradise
22 July 2024
Summer is the perfect time for exploring a variety of wines, from crisp whites to refreshing rosés and sparkling options.
With the sun shining and longer days, there’s no better season to indulge in the refreshing, light, and vibrant flavours that summer wines have to offer. Consumers are increasingly seeking wines with thirst-quenching acidity and low tannins, which makes them perfect companions for warm weather.
As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative fruits like apples and pears in winemaking, adding a delightful twist to traditional wine profiles.
A recent report by Drinks Ireland highlights the evolving preferences of Irish wine drinkers. It shows that white wine remains the most popular type of wine in Ireland, holding a 48% market share. Its crisp, clean, and often fruity notes make it a favourite for many, especially during the warmer months.
Red wine, with its deeper and more robust flavours, holds a close 45% market share. The popularity of red wine reflects its versatility and appeal across different seasons and occasions.
Rosé wine has seen a significant surge in popularity in Ireland over recent years, particularly during the summer months. The report indicates that rosé’s market share grew from a modest 3% in 2016 to an impressive 7% in 2021.
This increase highlights a trend of consumers seeking lighter and more refreshing beverage options. Rosé’s beautiful colour and refreshing taste make it a perfect summer choice, whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of summer dishes.
When it comes to the origins of the wines enjoyed in Ireland, Chilean, Spanish, and Australian wines top the list of favourites, respectively. These wines are celebrated for their diverse flavours and high quality.
Despite facing the highest excise duty on wine in the European Union, Irish consumers continue to enjoy their wine. Sparkling wine drinkers, in particular, face a ‘double taxation’ but remain undeterred, with sparkling wine still holding its place as the nation’s second most popular drink after beer.
With the variety of wines available and the adventurous spirit of Irish wine lovers, summer remains an ideal time to explore and enjoy the diverse world of wines. Whether consumers prefer a crisp white, bold red, alluring rosé, or sparkling wine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.
A Vina Sol summer
In 1962 Miguel Torres produced a small quantity of Parellada grapes, the traditional white variety of Alt Penedès, which gives the wine a fresh and fruity aroma.
In 2022, Vina Sol decided to redesign their bottles. The new label emphasised their most important symbol – the sun. The sun is a part of Vina Sol’s DNA, it was born close to the Mediterranean.
The sun accompanies them in the winemaking process, as the winery uses 100% solar energy from its own panels. From the vineyard to the cellar, everything is made with the sun. For this reason, Vina Sol maintains its brightness and unique character.
In 2023, Findlater launched Vina Sol Sauvignon Blanc in the Irish market, aligning with Vina Sol’s vision of strengthening their global presence in the white wine category.
Vina Sol are bringing the VS Summer Edition to enhance the concept of ‘from the vineyard to the glass’ through the essence of the sun.
Find Vina Sol on the shelves of major retailers like Tesco, SuperValu, and Dunnes.
Traditionally untraditional

Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Sauvignon
Viña Santa Rita’s brand, 120, has launched a new global campaign, ‘Traditionally Untraditional,’ which is being rolled out in Ireland over the summer period.
The campaign, which features Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Ireland’s best-selling white and red wines respectively, highlights Paula Jaraquemada, a key figure in Chilean independence who inspired the 120 line.
In an industry first, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deepfake technology bring Jaraquemada to life. Her face was digitally reconstructed using historical evidence and superimposed on a model to accurately depict her in the present day.
Francisca Muñiz, corporate marketing director, Viña Santa Rita, said: “120 is a traditional brand with over 50 years of history but is not stuck in the past. Its tradition and ability to adapt inspire us to face challenges, turning our history into the driving force behind the innovation and production of exceptional wines.”
The campaign, headlined as “Defying tradition since 1818,” honours the brand’s unconventional origins and pays tribute to women who face challenges with determination.
It includes a new bottle design featuring Paula Jaraquemada, a modern logo, textured labels, and a QR code on the back directing consumers to the 120 website.
The campaign also features OOH and television advertising, digital activations with two key influencers and in-store promotions which include gondola ends, and the 120 Hours competition, inviting global participants to win a trip to Chile, including visits to the historic winery and the iconic Torres del Paine.
Rockin’ Rosé

Rock Angel Rosé
As summer has arrived, anticipation builds around sunny occasions for rosé to be enjoyed in the company of friends and family.
If consumers like the minerality of a Sancerre, will love Rock Angel.
One step up from the iconic Whispering Angel, Rock Angel is a must for serious rosé lovers; “It all started with a Whisper… now it’s time to Rock!”
Rock Angel is characterised by its shiny and transparent pale rosé colour, delicate red berry aromas, and both floral and spicy notes. A touch of oak adds a creamy feel and texture to its rosé, creating a truly rich and racy palate experience. It blends a firm acidity with a long and silky finish, making it the perfect powerful, yet elegant wine.
Rock Angel rosé is the ultimate compliment to seafood and shellfish dishes, particularly oysters and grilled fish, smoked salmon and dill, and spaghetti a la vongole.
Barefoot bliss

Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc
It’s time to get the party started and kick off summer in style with Barefoot Wine, the *number one USA Wine brand in Ireland.
Barefoot has something for everyone with delicious wines that will have you reaching for another sip.
There’s nothing like sipping on a crisp glass of Barefoot Pinot Grigio on a hot summer day while chowing down on some barbecue chicken or grilled veggies. If burgers are on the menu grab a bottle of Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon or juicy Barefoot Merlot.
If consumers really want to capture the essence of summer in a glass, reach for Barefoot’s refreshing Rosé varieties like sweet Pink Moscato or fruity White Zinfandel – the perfect pairing for most seafood and shellfish.
Full of summer notes, Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc shines when enjoyed alongside a fresh feta or goat’s cheese salad. Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay takes chardonnay to the next level and is the perfect accompaniment to grilled salmon or pork.
Fun, flavourful, and approachable, there is a Barefoot Wine for everyone.
The range includes Barefoot Moscato, Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Barefoot Malbec, Barefoot Chardonnay, Barefoot Pink Pinot Grigio, Barefoot Buttery Chardonnay and Barefoot Pink Moscato alongside Barefoot Pinot Grigio, Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc, Barefoot Merlot and Barefoot White Zinfandel.
Packed with big flavours and gorgeous aromas – there’s plenty to choose from.
Barefoot Wine is available from all good stockists, RRP €10.50.
Graham Norton elegant selection

Graham Norton’s wine range with new packaging
Graham Norton’s wine brand has reached Ireland’s top 20 wine brands this year.
The Graham Norton wine range is produced in collaboration with New Zealand’s Invivo and Graham Norton controls every aspect of the blending process for his wines.
Invivo was founded by two Kiwi wine entrepreneurs Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in 2008.
Graham’s range includes his best-selling (and awarded) Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand joined by a wildly popular New Zealand Rosé, Graham Norton’s Shiraz from and the most recent addition to the range is an Argentinian Malbec named He-Devil after Graham’s memoirs “The Lives and Loves of a He-Devil”.
Graham Norton’s own Irish Gins celebrates Graham’s West Cork Heritage, the beauty and flavours of his idyllic native county and his award-winning flair for blending perfection.
Partnering with an Irish distillery was very important to Graham and that is why he decided to work with his West Cork neighbours – West Cork Distillers.
West Cork Distillery is the most southerly located distillery on the Atlantic Archipelago – an area close to Graham’s West Cork retreat.
Graham has three Gin’s in the portfolio: Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin, Irish Pink Gin and Irish Marmalade Gin.
The latest spirit addition is Graham Norton’s Own Irish Vodka – made from potatoes and smooth on the palate.
Kylie Minogue’s delicate rosé

Kylie Minogue’s Sparkling Prosecco Frizzante
Kylie Minogue Wines is an exquisite, elegant portfolio of bespoke wines, crafted with passion and integrity. Launched in 2020 on Kylie’s birthday, the 28 May, the rosé quickly became one of the most successful launches in its category ever. Kylie Minogue Wines has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon with a glass of Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé sold every 6 seconds. [source: Nielsen EPOS volume sales- Total UK Off Trade to 11 March 2023]
Kylie Minogue Wines has sold 9 million bottles since launch (that’s over 43 million glasses of Kylie Minogue Wine poured) and is available to purchase in 31 countries
Kylie Minogue now has 5 Rosés in her wine portfolio – Sparkling Prosecco Spumante, Sparkling Prosecco Frizzante, Cotes des Provence, Signature Rosé and Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé.
Its Signature range comprises of two wines from France including the delicate pale-dry rosé made from Cabernet and Carignan grapes, a light and zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Gascony.
The latest addition is the delicious Prosecco Frizzante produced in the heart of Veneto on the picturesque hills of Gambellara. Its wine is fresh and fragrant with a marked aromatic character rich in floral scents of acacia and wisteria flowers.
McGuigans innovative wines

McGuigan’s Black Label Shiraz
McGuigan wines continue to outperform the market according to a recent report, McGuigan is now the number one Australian wine brand in the off trade.
Black Label range comprises a Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rose and Malbec.
McGuigan shows innovation having introduced McGuigan Frizzante to the market, it is a light style of sparkling full of lively yet delicate bubbles that give a crisp and refreshing sparkle.
The latest addition to the McGuigan Portfolio is McGuigan Zero. Unrivalled taste, zero alcohol – for everyone, everywhere.
Its range offers an unparalleled alcohol-free experience both on the nose and palate. Launching with Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling.
McGuigan Zero is created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a truly beautiful tasting product.
Villa Maria premium wines

Villa Maria’s Blush Sauvignon
Villa Maria is Ireland’s number one New Zealand wine brand. Villa Maria’s extensive portfolio is one the most geographically and stylistically diverse and highly awarded range of premium wines by any New Zealand producer, fuelling consumer adoration and success across the globe.
In Ireland, Villa Maria has the Private Bin range available, most famously known for the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and other varieties available such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Villa Maria wines have a fresh new look for the Private Bin range, don’t worry the wine is the same outstanding quality, just in a new contemporary pack.
Its high tier Cellar Selection Pinot Noir and the Reserve Wairau Sauvignon Blanc are also available in the Irish Market.
The most recent launch from Villa Maria is the beautiful Sauvignon Blush, Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of Merlot. Delivering the taste experience of New Zealand’s favourite white wine with a playful fun-factor that opens up a whole new occasion for Sauvignon Blanc.
It’s 90% Sauvignon Blanc is caressed with 10% Merlot for a beautiful ‘Provence-like’ blush. Looks like Rose, tastes like Sauvignon Blanc.
Graham Norton, Kylie Minogue, McGuigan and Villa Maria wines are distributed in Ireland and NI by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Ampersand Wines super selection

Ampersand Wines selection of summer wines
Ampersand Wines have introduced a delightful selection of summer wines.
Its new offerings include a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, two rosés from France, and an organic and vegan trio from Spain.
Hailing from the renowned Marlborough region of New Zealand, its Massey Dacta Sauvignon Blanc is a unique addition to Ampersand Wines’ summer lineup. Priced at an enticing €16, it is expected to resonate well with Irish consumers.
Its wine boasts a bright, hay-like colour with refreshing notes of lemon and lime, complemented by tropical hints of rock melon and passionfruit, and balanced with a touch of lemongrass.
Soupçon de Fruit Rosé de Loire offers a blend of Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, and Gamay. At just €13, the wine stands out not only for its elegant packaging but also for its refreshing profile.
Another highlight in Ampersand Wines’ collection is its Domaine Petit Candumy Rosé. The blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah hails from the Var department between Aix en Provence and St Tropez and is priced at €15.
Also new to the Ampersand Wines portfolio is the Terrós range from Spain, featuring a rosé, red, and white wine. Each bottle in this range is 100% organic and vegan and retails at €15 each.
The Terrós Rosé Monastrell is a bold and elegant wine, full of freshness and vivacity, perfect for those seeking unique and authentic flavours.
Ampersand Wines’ are perfect for summer enjoyment, whether for a casual gathering or a sophisticated evening.
Read more: Summer vibes
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