Segmented consumer assessment of sensory components of sparkling wine in the eastern region of Austria

"Flavour" is a sub-category of the sensory area and is in turn subdivided into various finer areas. These include different temperature levels, degrees of sweetness and the carbon dioxide content, which contribute directly to the flavour of a sparkling wine. In addition, the colour of the sparkling wine, the perception of the alcohol, the texture of the sparkling wine on the palate and the smell are further sensory components. The present study represents a compositional analysis of the significance of individual characteristics for the flavour evaluation of sparkling wines by low-involved consumers in the eastern region of Austria. Based on the results of this study/ or this analysis, four consumer segments were formed.

The first and largest of the four segments mainly comprises consumers of Frizzante and Asti. They prefer sparkling or mild, but above all cold-temperature sparkling wines with a full-bodied to soft mouthfeel. The sparkling wine should be light gold in colour and fruity with a slightly noticeable alcohol content.

The second target group segment is made up of consumers of Frizzante and Prosecco. This segment is two-thirds female-dominated. In terms of taste, this segment is similar to the first segment, but the preferred colour of the sparkling wine is between light yellow, light gold and pink with a lower alcohol perception. The third target group segment is characterised by an enormous variety in terms of preferred types of sparkling wine and frequency of consumption. Champagne and sparkling wine are consumed just as readily as prosecco, frizzante and cocktails. In terms of sensory preferences, the respondents rated most of the characteristics as neutral on average. On the other hand, there is a clear preference for semi-dry and very sparkling sparkling wines in the colours light yellow and dark gold. Sparkling wine and champagne consumers can be found in the fourth and final segment. In contrast to the first segment, their preferences are dry and very sparkling, light and balanced, fruity and light gold-coloured sparkling wines.