APERITIF:
8 Ideas for your customers

Let’s be honest: There’s a good reason why most people automatically reach for sparkling wines when looking for an aperitif. As the term itself (from the Latin “aperire” – “to open”) suggests, the purpose of the drink is to open the palate and stomach for the culinary delights to follow. And sparkling wines fulfill this purpose perfectly with their fine bubbles and traditionally higher acidity.

As a wine merchant, it’s always worth having a good selection of sparkling wines in stock for your customers. It’s a good idea to offer a variety across different price categories. For example, if someone is hosting a barbecue, Prosecco, Cava, or Sekt may be more suitable than a Crémant or Champagne. The latter, however, would make a better impression before a festive meal than a Prosecco. It’s important to recommend sparkling wine in the right context if it is to be used as an aperitif.

MCocktails as an aperitif trend

For even more sparkling variety in the glass, you can recommend sparkling wine-based cocktails as an aperitif. Classics include Aperol Spritz, Hugo, or Kir Royal. Alternatively, you could tap into the RTD trend, which is currently sweeping the wine world from the United States and gaining increasing popularity among consumers. RTD stands for "ready to drink." These are pre-mixed alcoholic beverages that are ready to enjoy immediately. RTDs range from pre-mixed wine spritzers to complex cocktails. If you’re looking to attract a younger customer base to your wine store, RTDs can be a great entry point.

However, be cautious: Some RTDs have a fairly high sugar content. This isn’t an issue for generations that grew up with soft drinks, but such RTDs are not always suitable as an aperitif. Sweetness leaves a lasting impression on the palate, and if followed by a salad with a very acidic dressing, the acid could be overwhelmingly pronounced due to the lingering sweetness, potentially creating an unpleasant experience. On the other hand, these alcoholic mixed drinks typically have a moderate alcohol content, which is important for an aperitif. After all, an aperitif is meant to awaken the palate and prepare it for the meal to come.

Rediscover Classics: Sherry

That said, there are always exceptions to every rule, even when it comes to aperitifs. In addition to sparkling wines and cocktails, Sherry is currently experiencing a revival as an aperitif. Its alcohol content is certainly not moderate. Sherry is a fortified wine, where producers add neutral alcohol with 96% alcohol by volume after fermentation. A Sherry Fino or a Manzanilla can have an alcohol content of up to 15.5%, a Pedro Ximénez up to 17%, and an Oloroso even up to 19%. So, moderation is not the defining characteristic here.

The key is in the quantity. Five centiliters of Sherry is an ideal aperitif amount. Fino and Manzanilla, both aged biologically in the Solera system, are particularly popular as aperitifs. Alongside citrus, almond, and herbal notes, these Sherry styles also exhibit the typical bread-like notes from the flor yeast. With these Sherry styles, you can offer your customers a true classic as an alternative aperitif.

High-Alcohol Aperitifs: Pastis und Ouzo

Another classic making a comeback as an aperitif is Pastis. This anise-based spirit originates from France and has an alcohol content ranging from 38% to 42% by volume. Can this really be an aperitif? Yes, it can! First, Pastis is typically served in small quantities, about five centiliters. Secondly, it is traditionally diluted with water when enjoyed as an aperitif, and sometimes an ice cube is added. This dilutes the alcohol content, making it an ideal aperitif.

A variation of this classic is diluted Ouzo. This traditional Greek spirit also has anise as its base, with an alcohol content typically around 40%. When diluted, it is not a problem but rather a great pleasure that keeps the palate alert. If your customers like to try new things or enjoy something that not everyone has yet discovered, Pastis or Ouzo are excellent aperitif suggestions.

Pet Nat and beer: Moderate alcohol, great aperitif

Pétillant Naturel, often abbreviated as Pet Nat, Pét-Nat, or PetNat, is no longer a new trend. Ten years ago, this sparkling wine, which translates to "naturally sparkling" from French, was still a niche product and needed a lot of explanation. Today, however, these sparkling wines, produced using the Méthode Ancestrale (involving only one fermentation, which is completed in the bottle, hence the use of a crown cap), are enjoying widespread popularity. Pet Nats usually have a moderate alcohol content and more austere flavor notes, making them an ideal aperitif. As a wine merchant, offering a small selection of Pet Nats can be a solid addition to your portfolio.

Meanwhile, another aperitif movement is coming out of Germany: good old traditional beer, preferably a Pilsner. This style is characterized by its bitter notes, which open the palate perfectly. An India Pale Ale (IPA) with its fruity-bitter nuances can also serve well as an aperitif. Ultimately, though, it depends on what fits into your range. If you exclude other alcoholic beverages besides wine and sparkling wine from your portfolio, it may not make sense to expand specifically for an aperitif offering.

And what about wine?

If your range is focused on wine, it naturally makes sense to recommend certain wines as aperitifs to your customers. The key factors here are moderate alcohol content and a light, fresh character. The possibilities are almost endless. From a fresh Vinho Verde from Portugal or its Spanish counterpart Albariño, to Muscat or a light Rosé, and even a Beaujolais Nouveau or Vernatsch to offer some red alternatives, almost anything is possible.

To offer your customers the best possible aperitif, it’s worth setting it in the right context. For what occasion is the aperitif intended? Is it followed by a meal? If so, what will be served as the starter? The season is also crucial. In summer, you’ll likely recommend different options than in winter. In any case, we hope we have inspired you to offer alternatives to the traditional sparkling wine when your customers ask for an aperitif.