Jonathan from VIN Wine Merchants in Emsworth looks at what to look forward to in 2022
As we start another year, its time again to think about what is going to be a popular tipple during 2022. Throughout covid our buying habits certainly changed when it came to alcoholic beverages. As we were not going out to restaurants or bars, we were increasing our spending on the more luxury end of the market, particularly wine and spirits.
Top end wines continued to grow throughout 2021 and that is set to continue in 2022. Spending that little bit extra on wines can be beneficial in many ways. Firstly, obviously you are getting a much better product and you are more likely to enjoy it more. Also, these wines will last longer if you do not finish the whole bottle. There is a common phrase amongst us wine merchants, drink less but drink better. You do not have to spend a fortune, typically the £8 to £10 mark is full of quality driven wines from all over the world. A couple of pounds more and you will really get to see the difference.
Another sector that grew during covid and has continued is the local drinks arena. The support that local producers received was immense and that has continued as we now slowly get back to normal. Our local area is full of amazing drinks producers particularly gins and wines and now rum is coming into the fold. Producers such as Jarrolds Gin and Chichester Harbour gin, Fort Gin and Rum in Portsmouth, Mudlark Rum also in Portsmouth are all producing stand out spirits. Our local vineyards such as Ashling Park and Hambledon are amongst many quality vineyards we have in our area both providing a complete wine experience in terms of tours and restaurants.
Premium rum sales are on the up and there are signs that they will outsell gins very soon. They are already popular in bars and clubs particularly rum based cocktails, and this is now spilling over into off sales as we start to enjoy them at home. Whisky is another spirit’s sector set to continue growth in 2022. Not just Scottish malts but also American and Japanese whiskies. Our thirst for knowledge about foreign spirits is growing and because we want to experience new and different things that will push sales even further.
Try these:
Ashling Park Brut £29.99 - Soft with a yeasty toasty character.
Jarrolds Gin - £39.99
Mudlark Spiced Pirate Rum - £25.99