Terrific summary of the sparkling category highlights Gruet as the third largest domestic sparkling wine $15 and over, which is the fastest growing segment of the domestic sparkling market.
More important, Gruet is the fastest growing among any of the brands highlighted in the report. Downloadable PDF linked below.
Sparkling Wine Report Impact Magazine July 1 2020
“More consumers are entering the category, initially through Prosecco, but then wanting to try drier styles and taste the difference that comes from producing sparkling wines in the traditional méthode champenoise versus other methods,” adds Brad Mayer, vice president, public relations and communications at Precept Wine, marketer of the New Mexico label Gruet.
The third-largest brand in the $15-and-up category is New Mexico’s Gruet at 190,000 cases, up 35.3% in 2019. The wines are distributed nationally, but Gruet’s top markets are New Mexico, California, and New York. The company sees a strong future for Texas, Colorado, Illinois, and Florida as Precept Wine expands distribution in those markets. “Our Brut Rose continues to see nice growth, up 12%, as well as our Gruet Sauvage, up 18%,” says Mayer. “We’ve also had great success with the brand in national retailers like Whole Foods and Cost Plus, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, and restaurant chains such as Fleming’s Steakhouse and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.” Mayer expects the brand’s national accounts presence to continue developing.
The brand’s leading label is Gruet Brut, a 75%-25% blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that has earned Best Value accolades from Wine Spectator. “Our New Mexico appellated selections are highly sought after, like our new Sparkling Pinot Meunier. It’s grown at the Tamaya Vineyard, between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, which is a unique partnership we have with the Pueblo of Santa Ana,” Mayer adds.