[ad_1]
The can
Woodbridge Wine Soda, $10.99-$12.99 per variety six-pack (with grapefruit, lemon lime and orange flavors)
The back story
Does the wine world want in on the hard-seltzer scene?
Certainly, that’s a question worth asking in light of this relatively new offering from Woodbridge, itself a brand created in 1979 by legendary Calfornia winemaker Robert Mondavi as a way to make wine more mainstream (and more affordable). The soda is described by Woodbridge exec Serena Shrivastava as “an accessible and non-intimidating wine-based beverage for those looking for something with equal convenience but more refreshing flavor than hard seltzers.” In other words, a wine seltzer — or, as team Woodbridge dubs it, a wine soda.
And it is indeed made with wine — specifically Shrivastava says the beverage combines Woodbridge White Zinfandel and natural flavors “with the perfect level of carbonation to achieve the classic soft drink sensation.”
Ironically, the Woodbridge product arrives at a time when many say the hard-seltzer craze has jumped the shark. (This “Saturday Night Live” skit summarizes the situation perfectly — think Jiffy Lube-branded hard seltzer.) But the broader category of alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages (or RTDs), which includes bottled cocktails (and presumably wine sodas), remains strong and is projected to grow by $11.6 billion over the next half-decade.
For Woodbridge, which is now part of the wine and spirits conglomerate Constellation Brands
STZ,
the introduction of wine soda is part of a broader “Wine Your Way” campaign to give wine a new, fun identity. Woodbridge has also come out with other fruity wine-based beverages, such as its Fruitful Blends and Sparkling Infusions lines.
What we think about it
It’s easy to be cynical about something called a “wine soda.” And to be clear, this is decidedly not a beverage for serious sippers who can talk about the differences between Left Bank and Right Bank Bordeaux wines. But it does what it’s supposed to — offer a sweet, wine-like alternative to, well, true wine. Of the three flavors available, the grapefruit is my favorite, largely because it’s not as sugary as the orange and lemon-lime and therefore delivers the proper refreshment. The other two are a bit more in the wine-cooler category — good if you like that kinda thing.
How to enjoy it
Just crack open a chilled can and you’re set. But there’s nothing that says you can’t pour it into a wine glass.
[ad_2]
Source link
