Pinnacle Cake Vodka
It’s good to know the wine & spirits business is healthy, with some segments showing better results than others. Here’s the 411 according to a report from Nielsen Marketing’s VP Danny Brager at the Wine Market Council in New York a few days ago :
In the week ending January 7, 2012, wines under $6 were up 2 percent. Wines between $9-$12 were up over 10 percent, and wines $20 and over were up 11 percent. Who says there’s a recession?
U.S. wine sales were considerably higher than imported wines. Argentina and New Zealand sales were particularly strong among imports. Go USA!
The number one varietal, Chardonnay, which accounts for over 20 percent of the market, was up less than one percent. Second-place varietal Cabernet was up nearly four percent. Makes sense to me, time to try new varietals.
The biggest gains were made by Malbec (32.6%) and Moscato was up over 73 percent . I could have called that one. Ask any tasting room Staff member which wine sells best …and they’ll tell you the sweeter wines. Tasters “talk” dry, but buy sweet.
Small but growing categories include unoaked Chardonnay and sweet reds. I am ABC girl myself (anything but Chardonnay, but I find the newer style stainless steel Chards are tempting me to say nice things.
Beer‘s only good news in growth came from the craft category. This is another non surprise. How many new craft beer places have opened up near you in the last year?
In the liquor business, vodka is still number one. The biggest news is the big interest in the variety of vodka flavors. If you haven’t looked lately there are a bazillion flavors out there. There are of course all the usual citrus and fruit notes, but check this out… newcomer’s biscotti, French vanilla, whipped cream … and cake are coming on strong. Guess you can now have your cake…and drink it too.
Strawberry Shortcake
Compliments of Pinnacle Vodka
2 oz. Pinnacle Cake
1 oz. strawberry liqueur
3 oz. milk
Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with whipped cream and a strawberry.