| Yes, if you go by the major UK supermarket Marks & Spencer's prediction that there is going to be a drop in consumer interest in higher-alcohol wines. Putting the money where the mouth is, it plans to source more wines at 12% alcohol rather than 14%, reports decanter.com
Predicting changes in future wine consumption patterns, M&S says it fears that in recent years the balance has tipped too far towards wines dominated by high alcohol. The supermarket's wine technologist Sue Daniels says, 'High alcohol wines have had their day. We will be trying to source more wines at 12% alcohol, rather than 14% in the future.'
The company is also looking at offering wines that are sulphite-free and without unnecessary additives, for the benefit of wine drinkers who suffer from allergy and cannot consume wine.
Alcohol levels in wine have risen markedly in recent years. The increases are due to a number of factors, including improved techniques in viticulture, rising average temperatures and consumer preferences for riper, easy-drinking styles.
According to the lobby group Alcohol in Moderation (AIM), the average level of alcohol in Australian red wine rose from 12.4% in 1984 to 14% in 2004. In California reds, average alcohol reached a record 14.8% in 2001, compared to 12.5% in the late 1970s.
Finding ways to limit excessive alcohol in wines while retaining flavour is becoming a major challenge to many wine producers.
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