Steve Dwyer is the manager of Classic Drinks, one of the leading wine import companies in Ireland. Distributor and friend of Muriel Wines for a long time, he tells us how he sees the wine market in his country.
How are the Irish wine consumers?
The wine consumers are very adventurous. Our shelves are filled with wines from all over the world, from the key producing countries of Spain and France to niche markets of Uruguay and Georgia.
What do they like?
Irish people really enjoy fruit forward wines. Wines that can be enjoyed with or without food.
When are Irish people having wine?
We drink wine on weekends and any day beginning with a T and always on a Monday and Wednesday.
In the last years, how has the wine market in Ireland changed?
The market in volume has been very flat since 2009 after 15 years of double digit growth. As we are all becoming more health conscious, we are now starting to trade up a little in value, with volume very static.
Dublin at dawn
Which are the major trends nowadays?
The consumer is still in love with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Argentinian Malbec. We do see a move back to Old World wines of France, Italy and Spain. Albariño and lighter reds of Beaujolais are also now on trend.
What is selling best at retail and restaurants?
Due to Ireland having the highest duty rate in Europe, we drink a lot of entry level varietal wines from Italy, Chile and Australia. People trade up for good Rioja and Burgundy.
Is there any differences in the way people have wine in Dublin compared to the rest of the country?
The new trend can often start outside of Dublín. We have some fantastic restaurants all over Ireland in cities like Cork and Galway, where often they are pouring quirky and interesting styles.
Is beer the 'enemy' of wine? Or is it a complementary drink? How do consumers balance both drinks?
Ireland is a significant beer consumer, but the real competition to wine today is now Gin. As we drink a lot "standing up" rather than "sitting down", many bars have
now a much more extensive Gin list than wine list. As a non wine producing country, we are now supporting a thriving local craft gin producers along with the local
craft beer and cider makers.
Where is wine consumption in restaurants and homes heading to?
Good restaurants offer a wide selection of wines by the glass with a great choice of varietals. I think we will see an increase in the choice and price as consumers drink less but better. The supermarket offers are confusing the consumer with half price offers on "Gran Reserva" from New World and brand name close to appellation names. Often the consumers choose based on price alone.
Please, write the names of some restaurants and bars where people can find good wines in Ireland.
In Dublin, enjoy great wines at House on Lesson Street and the Horseshoe Bar at Shelbourne Hotel, or the new 5 star bar: 9 below. Cava in Galway or Salt in Cork
are two super spots for casual bites and wines. Or the Black Pig, one of many good places in Kinsale.
An infographics by the Irish Wine Association
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