Skinnygirl wines invade Metro Detroit

Does Bethenny Frankel have the skinny on wine, too?

If you saw the list of stores in Lower Michigan carrying her new Skinnygirl trio of blends, you might think she does.

Frankel — the star of countless TV reality shows, including “Real Housewives of New York,” author of numerous books on skinny lifestyles and producer of skinny products — pegs her new libations on being 100 calories per 5-ounce serving, which is just a little bit less than most wines are.

“Skinnygirl, The Wine Collection” features a red, white and rose — all blends, all at 12 percent alcohol and closed with a screw cap.

Simone Peterson, wine manager at Nino Salvaggio in Clinton Township, carries the line.

“The red is selling the best,” she said. And who buys it? “Middle-aged women and 21-year-olds who watch her shows.”

The wines are not bold or aggressive on the palate. They are fruity with a soft feel and a degree of sweetness, which makes them suitable for buyers tip-toeing into wine. Being blends, they also don’t require a deep knowledge of grape varieties. They are kick-back-with-the-girls, fun to drink wines.

Frankel’s biggest success is her Skinnygirl Cocktails, specifically the Margarita followed by a Sangria and White Cranberry Cosmo. The cocktails ring in at 100 calories — a considerable cut from the real McCoys. They are premixed, including the alcohol, in a bottle with a screw cap. Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. purchased the Skinnygirl brand in 2011.

The Skinnygirl brand is widely available in Metro Detroit.