Wine Trends For This Year
When I was asked to put on a wine tasting for the Peak City Exchange Club Of Apex (a community service group), I landed upon the theme of wine trends for 2024. The wines for the event at Peak of the Vine were selected accordingly.
Here are the trends I highlighted and four wines that were served along with the presentation:
- The NOLO (No- and Low-Alcohol) wine category is on fire. Low and No-Alcohol Wines continue to grow. Some call it needless but others see it as an exciting part of wine’s future. It fits in with Dry January, responsible drinking, and healthy lifestyles.
- Organic and sustainable wines are trending. When it comes to social issues and sustainability, consumers want to spend in a way that’s consistent with their values. In particular, the 21-35 age group buys “responsible” wine more regularly than the older generation.
- After the COVID pandemic, consumption has dropped and rising costs are affecting wineries. Labor shortages are a real concern for vineyards. Wine prices are going up. cheaper wine brands have consolidated through major wine deals and smaller producers are focusing on higher-priced premium wines to cope.
- Rosé all year is now a thing. The quality of rosé has never been higher. The drier Provence style has captured the world market. The blush wine pairs perfectly with many dishes making it a perfect go-to wine no matter the season.
- The sparkling wine category is showing strong growth. This also benefits Champagne alternatives, such as Prosecco, Sekt, and Cava. Crémant from France is one of my favorite values. During the pandemic, people discovered Champagne tastes just as good in sweatpants as in a tuxedo. As a result, sparkling isn’t reserved for just special occasions.
- Orange wines, also known as skin-contact wines and amber wines, are made from white grapes. They possess both the flavors of white varieties with the texture and tannins common to red wine. They are good for people experiencing “wine fatigue” and can develop flavors of nuts and dried fruit.
- Obscure grapes are on the rise. Grapes such as Mourvèdre, Petite Verdot, Carignan, and others are being bottled on their own rather than being a small part of a blend.
- There's a lot of food and drink inflation going on. This includes grocery stores, restaurants, and the wine shelf. The prices of wine have gone up, reflecting increased winery costs. Portuguese and Chilean wines are tasty and affordable exceptions.
These Four Wines Are On Trend
Mas Fi Cava Brut, Spain: This sparkling wine is made with the traditional method in Penedes, Spain. Undergoing a second fermentation in this bottle, it is aged for 10 months providing its fine bubbles and complex and structured palate. There are notes of white flowers and citrus on the nose, with fresh stone fruits and pleasant creamy flavors in the mouth. SRP below $20.
Santa Julia 2023 “El Zorrito” Orange Wine Chardonnay, Mendoza: This unfiltered and flavorful wine opens with aromas of lemon peel, yellow grapefruit, and grass. The palate has weight and delivers bright grapefruit, lemon, and apple. A perfect pour for summer days, we discovered this winery during our recent trip to Argentina. The wine shows yellow apples and lemons, marmalade, and lemon drops, and peaches and tangerines in abundance, with a touch of creme brulé. Texturally, a few extra days of skin contact make the El Zorrito juicy, intense, and energetic. SRP $19.
Quinta de la Rosa 2019 DouROSA, Douro, Portugal: Produced with 50% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca, and 10% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) this is an accessible red that delivers smooth flavors of cherries and black currants. The tannins are smooth but will develop with aging. Pairs well with roasted veal and potatoes. 13.5% alcohol. SRP $18.
Lapostolle 2019 Grand Selection Carménére, Rapel Valley, Chile: This bold wine has a fresh nose with red fruit notes such as strawberries and plums, along with red paprika and spices. This delicious wine is perfect for grilled red meat and medium-seasoned dishes. The Lapostolle family began winemaking in France in 1827. In the '90s they established a winery in Chile. In 2005, they became the first South American winery to have a #1 wine as selected by Wine Spectator. SRP $16.
These wines provide the value, style, and flavors that are on trend this year.
1 comment:
Glad sustainable and organic wines are trending, about time! Hope more people also read to understand the vocabulary surrounding this and what each style means, for example regenerative, biodynamic, salmon safe, etc. There’s so much more than simply being organic.
As a side note on this topic, Robin from Crushed Grape Chronicles is working on an interesting documentary project, Can Wine Save The Planet.
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