Citrus best for Sauvignon Blanc say consumers

By Lisa Riley

Published: 30 January, 2019

A citrusy Sauvignon Blanc is the UK’s favourite, according to a new report.

The research was carried out by MW student and Co-op wine buyer, Sarah Benson for Lallemand Oenology and under the supervision of MWs, Sam Harrop and Dirceu Vianna Junior.

Focusing on four “significantly different and distinct” styles of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - tropical, herbaceous, citrus and barrel fermented - the study was designed to gain a better understanding of consumer preferences in order to tackle declining wine sales in favour of craft beer and gin.

While a strong citrus profile was the most popular, barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc got the thumbs down from UK drinkers.

“If we are able to understand more about consumer preference, and how this relates to winemaking protocols, we can make wine more relevant to consumers which has potential to stem the decline in wine consumption,” said Benson.

Lallemand said by using the knowledge gained from this study, combined with similar research set to be carried out in 2019 with New Zealand Chardonnay, winemakers will “have the tools to create wines that are not only site-specific, but also reflect the consumer preference of the specific segment they are targeting, therefore giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market.”

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