Delaunay Vins & Domaines, specialists in the creation and distribution of wines from Burgundy and the Languedoc, are moving into the rapidly growing wine-based RTD category with the launch of their Lemon & Basil Spritz via their contemporary and accessible La Belle Angèle brand.
A collection of appealing varietal wines made under the more flexible Vin de France category, La Belle Angèle celebrates the art of French living with freshness and elegance, inspired by the Roaring Twenties. The launch of the Lemon & Basil Spritz is a natural brand extension and moves La Belle Angèle into the heart of current consumption trends. This innovative, social media friendly new product bridges the gap between wine and cocktails and taps into the growing demand for ready-to-drink, lower-alcohol and sparkling wine-based drinks by Gen Z and younger Millennial wine drinkers.
RTDs have become increasingly popular with their combination of convenience, flavour innovation and messaging that taps into the health and moderation trend, explains Richard Halstead COO Consumer Insights at the IWSR. Wine-based RTDs are currently showing strong growth, with consumption growing in 16 out of the top 20 global markets last year and the segment expected to grow in European markets at an average rate of +15.3% per year between 2025 and 2030 according to the IWSR.
Anne-Sophie Perrier, Global Brand Developer at Delaunay Vins & Domaines says, “We felt there was an obvious and major opportunity for La Belle Angèle to enter the wine-based RTD sector.” She explains. “The Lemon & Basil Spritz responds directly to the drinking trends that we are now seeing particularly amongst younger consumers both in terms of flavour profile and health preferences, helping to bring them into the wine category.”
She continues; “Innovation along with freshness and moderation were key for us as well as creating a premium yet accessible offer that stood out from its competitors both in appearance and in taste while still offering excellent value.”
Launched to strong enthusiasm from the global wine trade at Wine Paris in February, La Belle Angèle Lemon & Basil Spritz has already secured distribution in major international markets including the Barry and Musgrave Groups in Ireland and the Grand Frais chain in France, Total Wine & More in the US at the end of the year, and more markets including the UK expected to come online soon.
La Belle Angèle Spritz Lemon & Basil retails at a pocket-friendly rrp of £5.99 for a 75cl bottle, with smaller formats currently being designed. It is also destined for the on-trade where the recommended serve is well chilled, in a wine glass filled with ice and garnished with basil leaves. Growth in the on-trade for RTDs is also looking good according to the IWSR, where share of serves has increased from 1% in 2019 to 2% in 2024, and is expected to hold at that level to 2029.
Inspired by the very latest mixology trends and the Mediterranean way of life, La Belle Angèle Spritz Lemon & Basil is refreshing, aromatic, naturally cloudy and made from a simple recipe based on carefully selected natural ingredients; French wine, water, grape juice, lemon juice and natural flavours. It has no added colour or preservatives and is low in both calories 173kj and 41kcal per 100ml and in alcohol at 5.5% abv as well as being vegan and gluten-free.
Ideal as an aperitif with the natural freshness of the lemon, while the aromatic notes of the basil bring complexity and roundness, the new Lemon & Basil Spritz is equally well suited to savory appetizers or fruit-based desserts.