Tasted by Drinks Trade: Spritzes

Yesterday, Drinks Trade posted this article exploring the growing spritz category, which now comfortably spans both cocktails and RTD formats. By all accounts, Spritz RTDs are set to become one of the biggest trends in Australia’s drinks industry this summer, with producers such as Treasury Wine Estates, Brown Brothers, and Casella Family Brands having all launched new spritz RTD products into the market over recent months.

Here, the Drinks Trade team offers our thoughts on eight currently available spritz products:

Zoncello Limoncello Spritz

Our thoughts: “Definitely the most refreshing of the lemon spritzes tasted, with loads of fresh lemon flavour that seems to better tame the sweetness. Zesty, fresh, and moreish, with a tangy finish. Loads of sweet and sour contrast.”
Who’s it for: “This is calling for summer weather, and feels well positioned as both a strong lemon spritz and as an option for lemon RTD drinkers who are looking to grab a bottle for sharing. It's also well positioned to cater towards other lemon RTD drinkers looking to try something different or looking to purchase something more shareable.”

ABV: 9%
RRP: $25
Owner/distributor: Zonzo Estate

[yellow tail] Mediterranean Lemon Spritz

Our thoughts: “A sweet lemon note verging on floral/lemon myrtle. Slightly higher abv gives this a little more punch. Sweetness and zesty acidity in contrast, but definitely on the sweeter side of life.”
Who’s it for: “Probably not a drop meant for thinking too much about, this is a great option for customers looking for a Spritz to suit a summery occasion without wanting to think too much about what they’re thinking. Higher abv and lower price are strong selling points.”

ABV: 10.5%
RRP: $18
Owner/distributor: Casella Family Brands

Bellina 'Bellini Di Cristina'

Our thoughts: “Lively fresh peach, that seems to last forever. Debatably a slightly more ‘serious’ drink than some of the other options here, with the fresh fruit flavour, creamy texture and less noticeable sweetness better suited to consumers who may want to pay a bit more attention to what they’re drinking. Gentle bubbles.”
Who’s it for: “For consumers who are perhaps buying spritzes to share but might personally prefer something with a little bit more depth and complexity. Also a great option for consumers who feel they’ve explored the spritz category well that are looking for something different. On the shelf, it stands out with its cloudy pinkish colour.”

ABV: 8%
RRP: $25
Owner/distributor: Zonzo Estate

Brown Brothers Ginger & Lime Spritz

Our thoughts: “A classic refreshing flavour combo, this has a nice hit of ginger spice on the palate supported by a lingering, refreshing lime finish, all packaged in a gentle, approachable body. Quite inoffensive and with lots of sugar-sweetness/softness. Good fizz.”
Who’s it for: “Gentle enough to be quite versatile. Flavour suits it to ginger beer drinkers, while the labelling/marketing positions it towards all the regular spritz occasions.

ABV: 8%
RRP: $22
Owner/distributor: Brown Brothers

Brown Brothers Passionfruit Vanilla & Lime Spritz

Our thoughts: “All the flavours as listed in a very approachable and easy-drinking package. Passionfruit probably takes centre-stage while lime adds freshness and vanilla softness. Quite high carbonation, that adds to the occasion-led style.”
Who’s it for: “The flavour profile is probably the leading selling point for this spritz - a unique blend that customers will recognise and feel encouraged to try.”

ABV: 8%
RRP: $22
Owner/distributor: Brown Family Wines

Cicchio Pistacchio Spritz

Our thoughts: “A really unique drink, that oozes sweet pistachio notes in a surprisingly refreshing manner. The most full bodied out of the lineup, the sweetness really harmonises with the punchy flavour. Really well balanced and interesting.”
Who’s it for: “Perhaps the best spritz option for winter/for a rainy day. By far the most complex, this is the best choice for usual wine drinkers and likely for all of you reading this. Quite an impressive feat to make these flavours into a refreshing summery drink, but it works.”

ABV: 8%
RRP: $28
Owner/distributor: Zonzo Estate

Innocent Bystander Watermelon Spritz

Our thoughts: “Very sweet, with a somewhat confected watermelon flavour. Still very refreshing, and definitely a unique spritz option to have on offer.”
Who’s it for: “Another flavour option. The colour as well also makes it stand out on the shelf and in the glass, perhaps tailoring it slightly more towards wine consumers.”

ABV: 8%
RRP: $25
Owner/distributor: Brown Family Wines

Tempus One Passionfruit

Our thoughts: “Simple and easy, this is an approachable drop made more refreshing by the fact that it isn’t too sweet. Much lower alcohol also positions this as a sessionable spritz option. Pours water-clear, with gentle bubbles.”
Who’s it for: “The only canned spritz in this category (although Zoncello Spritz and Bellina are also now available in a canned format), this format is well-suited to a whole new swathe of occasions. The format also further steers the category away from wine.”

ABV: 4%
RRP: $25 per 4-pack
Owner/distributor: Australian Vintage