#USA #Cabernet Sauvignon #St. Helena #Decoy #Featherweight

Decoy Wines Launches Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon

In a noteworthy development for wine enthusiasts, Decoy Wines has announced the launch of its Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon, marking its first entry into the lower-calorie and lower-alcohol red wine segment. This innovative release promises to cater to health-conscious consumers looking for flavorful yet lighter wine options.

Since its inception, Decoy has positioned itself as a leader in the $15+ premium wine category, and with the introduction of Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon, the brand is poised to expand its reach into the rapidly growing 'better-for-you' market. As many consumers become more health-focused, the new addition has been created with them in mind, offering a balanced profile with just 80 calories and 9% alcohol per 5 fl. oz. serving.

Chanel Caplan, Senior Vice President of Brand Management for The Duckhorn Portfolio, emphasizes that the Featherweight line is designed for a new kind of consumer interested in not just enjoying wine but also considering its impact on their lifestyle. This Cabernet Sauvignon is made using the same base blend as the renowned Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon, ensuring that consumers continue to experience the quality they have come to expect from the brand.

The Featherweight tier began with considerable success in 2023, featuring the Featherweight Sauvignon Blanc, which quickly became the top-selling lower-calorie Sauvignon Blanc in its category. Caplan explains, "Decoy Featherweight was created to meet a new consumer—the 'Betterment' consumer—who is specifically seeking better-for-you benefits in their wine choices without compromising on taste or quality."

With a remarkable 73% growth in the lower-calorie, lower-alcohol wine segment over the past three years, and an expected annual increase of 12% through 2027, Decoy's move into this market signifies a strategic expansion, further establishing its presence as the #1 brand in the $15+ Cabernet Sauvignon category.

Product Details

• - Calories & Alcohol: Each serving contains 80 calories, significantly lower than Decoy's regular Cabernet Sauvignon, and features 9% alcohol by volume.
• - Price: The suggested retail price is $25.00, aligning with their Core Cabernet Sauvignon.
• - Taste Profile: The wine is characterized by its bold and smooth flavor, exploding with juicy fruit, attributed to the same exceptional California grapes used in their signature offerings.
• - Winemaking Advantage: Featherweight utilizes the premium fruit sourcing identical to Decoy's core wine and implements traditional winemaking techniques, culminating in a gentle dealcoholization process that maintains flavor integrity.

Dana Epperson, Decoy's Winemaker, shared insights into the 2023 vintage, which benefited from favorable weather conditions, allowing a longer growing season that enriched the wine's depth and character. The Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated for its inviting aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, baking spice, and nuanced oak, balanced by silky tannins and vibrant acidity.

As of January 2026, consumers nationwide will be able to purchase the Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring a new packaging design that highlights its calorie count.

Decoy continues to focus on delivering wines that reflect quality, approachability, and intentionality. Established in 1985, the brand has successfully navigated the wine industry by curating an impressive portfolio, including wines sourced from renowned locations across California and beyond. With the launch of Featherweight, Decoy Wines undoubtedly aims to inspire confidence and connections through every glass, while satisfying modern consumers' cravings for premium, yet light-hearted, wine experiences.

For more information about Decoy and their new offerings, visit DecoyWines.com and follow them on social media for updates and promotions.

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