Zonzo Estate’s new RTDs are about to hit Dan Murphy’s shelves
Zonzo Estate has launched two of its spritz offerings – Zoncello Spritz and Bellina – in a canned RTD format. Initially rolled out via a soft-launch direct from the producer, Zonzo Estate is now preparing to release the new products to Dan Murphy’s from 24 September.
According to Rod Micallef, Director, the new RTD product format has been launched due to public demand: “A lot of our consumers wanted a single-serve product, so we knew there was a market for it,” he said.
“This is our first time in the RTD market, which also means we are in a new learning phase, and that can always be a little daunting; but the reception to these products thus far has been overwhelming, in the best possible way.”
The Zoncello Spritz cans combine Zonzo Estate’s Limoncello and Prosecco to create a product well positioned to capitalise on the nostalgic lemon flavour trend. According to Circana, lemon flavoured RTD products are currently “the most popular light RTD flavour, having grown its share to more than 30% this year.”
Also being canned is Bellina, a blend of Bellini peach nectar and Zonzo Estate Prosecco, offers generous peach flavours atop a creamy mouthfeel.
Both new releases have an abv of 8% and come in at one standard drink per 200ml can. Micallef believes “they work seamlessly with the originals,” of which are bottled in 750ml bottle format.
“ It was also something we wanted to do because the product lends itself to being taken on all kinds of adventures,” he added.
Zonzo Estate Bellina and Zoncello Spritz will retail at $29 per 4-pack or $110 per case of 16, and are currently available direct from the wine producer prior to attaining national distribution via Dan Murphy’s. Zonzo Estate told Drinks Trade that this will occur on or around 24 September.
For more information and insights from Rod Micallef, read this Drinks Trade article.
Karu Distillery launches Morita Chipotle Vodka – Rested
Today, Karu Distillery launched a second vodka product to market: the Rested Morita. As suggested by the name, the new release expands upon Karu Distillery’s existing Morita Chipotle Vodka SKU by ageing it in ex-Tequila barrels.
“We’ve taken the Morita, the Worlds best infused vodka and aged it for just under a year in ex-Tequila barrels from Mexico,” said Nick Ayres, who Co-Founded Karu Distillery alongside wife Ally Ayres.
“The barrel brings a brand new depth to the beloved spirit… [opening] the door for more cocktail opportunities within the vodka space, broadening for a contemporary spin on a French Martini whilst in the same bottle delivering a margarita with new depths.”
Rested Morita is bottled at a 42% abv and retails for $85 a bottle. Along with the rest of Karu Distillery’s portfolio, Rested Morita is available through Paramount, ALM Connect, and various other leading wholesalers. A full list of sourcing channels can be viewed here.
Read more about Morita Chipotle Vodka rested here.
Rodenbach Fruitage
World-renowned Belgian-brewery Rodenbach has launched a new beer to the Australian market: Rodenbach Fruitage. A blend of ales aged for various lengths of time and cherries, the new release has been crafted as a light and refreshing option with a sweet-sour taste with fruity notes.
“This unique beer is a blend of ripened and aged ale, young ale, and 7% cherries, created through a meticulous mixed fermentation process,” said Rodenbach in a product release statement issued to media.
“The long-term maturation in oak casks imparts a complex and agreeable flavour to the sour beer, giving it a refined and noble character.”
The unique flavour profile also tailors it to cocktail experimentation, with Rodenbach’s brewmaster Rudi Ghequire recommending the additions of ice cubes, a slice of lime, and mint.
Rodenbach Fruitage is available to purchase now from Dan Murphy’s and BWS at $17 per 4-pack or $85 per case.
