Merlot Takes the Crown: Ireland’s Favorite Wine This Christmas

Get ready for a festive toast, as red wine is set to reign supreme in Irish homes this Christmas. New research reveals that Merlot, in particular, is stealing the show as Ireland’s go-to wine choice for the holidays.

Red Wine Reigns Supreme

A recent study commissioned by Musgrave MarketPlace paints a clear picture: red wine is the festive preference for many Irish drinkers. A whopping 33% of respondents plan to pour themselves a glass of red this Christmas Day, and the older generation shows an even stronger preference, with nearly 40% of those aged 35-55 opting for Merlot or another red variety.

While Sauvignon Blanc holds the title of Ireland’s favourite grape all year round, it seems red wine has captured the hearts (and palates) of festive revelers.

Natural Wines: A Rising Star

The study also highlights the growing popularity of natural wines, particularly among younger drinkers. This trend reflects a wider shift towards organic and sustainable options in the food and beverage industry.

Limerick: A Sauvignon Blanc Exception

There’s one city bucking the trend: Limerick. Residents seem to have unwavering love for Sauvignon Blanc, sticking with their favorite grape variety regardless of the occasion.

Price Takes Center Stage

With cost of living pressures mounting, it’s no surprise that price is the biggest factor influencing wine purchases this Christmas. Almost 60% of drinkers say price is their top consideration, and with three-quarters planning to celebrate at home, retailers could see a surge in off-licence sales.

The average spend on a bottle of wine from an off-licence falls between €12-€17, making it a significantly more affordable option compared to restaurant or bar prices (€24-€35).

Finding the Perfect Bottle

While price is a key factor for many, a quarter of the population consider themselves wine aficionados, and for them, it’s all about the region or country of origin.

Interestingly, half of all drinkers in Cork and Limerick are most likely to take a recommendation from a friend when picking a bottle of wine, highlighting the power of word-of-mouth marketing.

Cheers to Confidence (and Maybe a Little Fudging)

When it comes to confidently pronouncing a wine’s character in a restaurant setting, drinkers are pretty evenly split: one third are eager to taste and test, while another third don’t mind what they drink. The remaining third admit to “fudging” it – they may just smile and nod, hoping no one notices they’re not a wine expert.

Conor O’Brien, wine sales specialist at Musgrave MarketPlace, commented on the rising popularity of natural wines, saying, “With the festive season upon us, our research has shown us that with darker evenings brings a taste for darker wine. “Red wine, particularly Merlot, is the top choice for Christmas Day, with almost 40% of those aged 35-55 plus preferring it over other varieties.”

He added, “What’s interesting is that fizzy options, while great for a celebration, have fallen down the pecking order, however natural wines are on the rise – as health-conscious consumers look to more organic and sustainable options in the food aisle and in the off-licence”.

Discover Your Perfect Christmas Wine

With so many options available, finding the perfect wine for your Christmas celebration is easier than ever. From classic Merlots to the increasingly popular natural alternatives, there’s a festive bottle out there for everyone.