>>consumers and buyers give their views on the latest product launches
Product: Oroya
Company: Freixenet
Price: around £8.99 per bottle
Oroya is a new wine concept, developed by a Japanese oenologist using a combination of Spanish grapes, blended especially to complement sushi.
consumer’s verdict
Elizabeth Hopkirk, Journalist, 32, Putney, London.
This wine slips down very nicely, although there’s nothing particularly distinctive about it. But, I suppose that is the point.
A wine targeted at such a niche market is not designed to challenge the palate but to help a beginner like me match a suitable wine to a cuisine I know little about.
People who know their stuff might feel a bit snobbish about Oroya. But plenty of people are happy to accept a corporate recommendation rather than take a risk. And, they won’t be disappointed by Oroya.
Crisp yet fruity, it has encouraged me to drink wine with sushi in future, instead of my usual lager or green tea.
Score: 19/25
Buyer’s verdict
Andrew Hargreaves, trading controller, off-licence, landmark
This is a wine specially created by a Japanese oenologist to be the ideal accompaniment to eating sushi.
A combination of Spanish grapes provides a not-too-dry white wine that is acidic - to cut through the fat of the fish predominant in sushi - but with enough softness to enhance the spice and heat of the soy and ginger of the sushi. Labelling is clear and appealing, stating the specified usage, though many may be dissuaded from purchase by the fact it is a Spanish wine.
It is pleasant to drink, but so are many other reasonably priced dry white wines. Price positioning, therefore, may be important if it is to take off.
Score: 18/25
Total score: 37/50
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