Tasted by Drinks Trade: Mid-strength wine

Following on from last week’s Tasted by Drinks Trade: Non-alcoholic wine roundup, Drinks Trade decided to sample a category of wines that Australia has helped pioneer globally: mid-strength wine.

According to the IWSR, the mid-strength segment of the now well-established no//low trend presents tremendous opportunity in the current market. While no/low products have thus far had greater market appeals to non-alcoholic consumers, the ever-improving array of reduced alcohol products presents a natural point of entry into moderation for current alcohol consumers.

“Mid-strength is a well-known concept in the Australian beer category and has been adopted by wine brands to help shoppers better understand and navigate low-alcohol wine,” said Susie Goldspink, Head of No/Low Alcohol Insights, IWSR.

One proof of concept was Australian Vintage’s successful introduction of its 7% abv McGuigan Mid range to the UK market last year. Following this, other Australian mid-strength wines launched to market include Brown Brothers Mid Strength Prosecco, Stoneleigh’s Lighter Sauvignon Blanc, and In the Middle by Fourth Wave Wine, all of which have been tasted below:

Brown Brothers Prosecco Mid Strength NV

Our thoughts: “Medium bodied, pear and green apple.
Soft pillowy mouthfeel with low acidity and balanced residual sugar, made in a very approachable/inoffensive style. Fades away fairly quickly on finish.”
Who’s it for: “Likely a crowd-pleaser, this is a very safe SKU to have in store. The Brown Brothers brand equity will also likely encourage first time customers to trial the mid-strength category.”
ABV: 7%
RRP: $21
Owner/distributor: Brown Brothers Wines

Tempus Two Lighten Up Prosecco NV

Our thoughts: “Fresh lime zest, green apple, apricot and nectarines. Vibrant, fresh, with high acidity and crisp finish. Definitely a fair bit of residual sugar also but acidity shines through. Very light in palate weight, and seems to fade away fast on the finish. Refreshing and light.”
Who’s it for: “Summer occasions, well suited to pool-side drinks or lunch bbqs.”
ABV: 6.8%
RRP: $20
Owner/distributor: Australian Vintage

In the Middle Prosecco NV

Our thoughts: “Lively mouthfeel, interesting ripe fruit flavours not easy with lower alcohol wines picked earlier. Aromas of stone fruit, nashi pear, poached apple. Initial flavour complexity on the palate drops off a little towards a simpler, fresher finish. Quite an active mousse, balanced sweetness, and a medium body gives this more presence on the palate.”
Who’s it for: “Arguably a Prosecco option probably more tailored towards serious drinkers due to the more layers of flavour. A bit more flavour and complexity than the Tempus Two, but with less summery freshness.”
ABV: 6%
RRP: $16
Owner/distributor: Fourth Wave Wines

Stoneleigh Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Our thoughts: “Pouring almost water white, proceeds to display very intense SB aromatics of gooseberry, passionfruit, grapefruit, wet grass and lime zest. Intensely aromatic in a potentially divisive way - ripe tropical fruits leap out of the glass. Passionfruit and gooseberries leave a tart and grippy finish aided by relatively high residual sugar.”
Who’s it for: “Can see this on a hot summers day for the designated driver. Perfect for consumers of NZ SB looking to drink less. 9% means this isn’t technically a mid-strength wine.”
ABV: 9%
RRP: $17
Owner/distributor: Pernod Ricard (since purchased by Accolade Wines owners)

Tempus Two Lighten Up Pinot Grigio

Our thoughts: “Impressively balanced with good acidity and fruit flavours - nashi pear and citrus - leaving a fresh palate ready for the next sip. Slightly reductive. Very easy drinking with low acidity and light body.”
Who’s it for: “A simpler lower-in-alcohol wine option that is very approachable and great for summer/day-time occassions. Similar to rest of the range, calories on the label advertise perhaps a less-understood benefit of drinking less alcohol.”
ABV: 6.8%
RRP: $20
Owner/distributor: Australian Vintage

In The Middle Pinot Grigio 2023

Our thoughts: “Crisp and clear appearance with green apple and white peach aromas. A light touch of lemon zest on the palate complements the fruit. Light bodied with crisp acidity.”
Who’s it for: “Simple, fresh, and approachable, a great summer white option that would likely be a crowd pleaser.”
ABV: 6.5%
RRP: $16
Owner/distributor: Fourth Wave Wine

In The Middle Rosé 2023

Our thoughts: “Pale gold appearance. Light bodied and refreshing on the palate, with quite a diverse flavour profile. Starts with floral, and red berry aromas, while palate also reveals watermelon and strawberries. Balanced sweetness and acidity and medium bodied.”
Who’s it for: “A great mid-strength rosé option well suited to summer outdoor occasions.”
ABV: 6%
RRP: $16
Owner/distributor: Fourth Wave Wine

Tread Softly Forever Young Early Picked Pinot Noir

Our thoughts: “Light bodied, fresh and vibrant. After a beautiful nose of dark cherries, sweet plum, and a touch of spice, palate is a little thin and sweet.”
Who’s it for: “The lowest ABV option in the tasting, this is a fresh and easy-drinking PN that feels like it’d hold up to most summer weather/occasions.”
ABV: 5.5%
RRP: $15
Owner/distributor: Fourth Wave Wine

In The Middle Pinot Noir 2023

Our thoughts: “Ripe cherry, raspberry, and a hint of earthy spice. Light to medium-bodied palate of cherry and cranberry. Slightly deeper/darker fruits, and there’s a very slight bitterness on the finish that disguises the natural sweetness and helps to make it feel like it has more weight.”
Who’s it for: “A slightly more serious 6% red option. Would likely be a great food wine.”
ABV: 6.5%
RRP: $16
Owner/distributor: Fourth Wave Wine

McGuigan Black Mid Full Flavoured Red 2022

Our thoughts: “Aromas of dark berries, plum, and a touch of vanilla. The palate is medium-bodied, ripe blackberry and black cherry. White pepper. Subtle oak influence.”
Who’s it for: “Only 25% lighter, this will likely appeal as a ‘sometimes’ option for regular McGuigan drinkers.”
ABV: 9.8%
RRP: $10
Owner/distributor: Australian Vintage