Fashion and makeup have them, and so does wine. We’re talking about trends… the things that we’ll see in the wine shops front and center. Winedom is taking a look at anticipated wine trends for 2015 to help you get the best of what’s new.
Wine is different from other trends in that it takes a long time to develop a new wine so it’s not tough to forecast what is coming around the bend. That said, Winedom has checked with a variety sources to see what is coming down the pike and what’s worth trying. Here are the ten trends we’re keeping an eye on.
1. Cheap Sweet Reds
Currently most sweet reds are priced at over $25 a bottle, keeping them out of the hands of many wine drinkers. But an interest in the sweeter blends and larger vineyards (think Kendall Jackson) who can produce wines cheaper than boutique vineyards have their eye on lowering the price point.
2. Common Man Criticism
With the advent of websites and apps where people can review anything and everything, and the rumors of Robert Parker (the most influential wine critic of our time) retiring, the common man’s tastes might change the face of wine. There has always been a delicate balance between sommeliers and critics and who influences the market most but if Parker is to leave the game, it could mean the people will have even more of a voice in wine.
3. Portable Wine
Like juice boxes for adults, winemakers are trying yet again to make wine more portable. Not only so that it can be enjoyed at baseball games (usually a place where only beer drinkers can find their favorite beverage) but also to help out with easier picnicking. Be on the look out for packages that are plastic, include a “glass” or come in a pouch. Good Housekeeping provides this simple rundown of portable wines that might be available soon.
4. Portuguese Whites
Portugal has some promising white wines on the horizon and after years in development they are getting attention. A favorite of many hip sommeliers, expect to have these recommended at your favorite restaurants in the coming months.
5. A Return To The Classics
Sommeliers are indicating a move away from organic and other “buzzy” wines. Most vineyards have focused on the environment for decades and with people learning more about wine there is a movement back to the classically produced and appreciated grapes and blends rather than picking a label due to an organic, vegan or gluten free designation.
6. Rhone Wines
As trends in food continue to lean toward spicy, Rhone wines will continue to rise in popularity as they perfectly complement, but never overtake, these spicy cuisines.
7. The Small Vineyard As King
The landmark Supreme Court Decision (in the U.S.) to allow for direct shipping of wine has allowed smaller vineyards to seriously increase their distribution. In some cases, vineyards can finance themselves completely off of direct sales. This means getting people into the vineyard pays huge dividends: because the visitors can order a few bottles (or cases) upon their return home. Smaller, independent, interesting vineyards will gain great exposure.
8. Rieslings
When learning about wine, Riesling is the grape that most reflects the character of where it was grown, the soil, the temperature and everything else. Experienced tasters can tell you a great deal about the grape based on a few tips. This makes for a wine that gives drinkers not only a great tasting experience but also an educational one. And, because they are good both with meals and on their own, Rieslings are likely to see great traction in the coming year.
9. Virginia, Texas and yes, New Jersey
Wine drinkers are always on the look out for new regions and these three areas of the U.S. are predicted to see a boom in wine production. Virginia already has started gaining recognition on the internet as a potential wine region. Texas and Jersey? Tell your friends you heard it here first!
10. Honey
While this is a prediction for liquor, keep an eye out for this descriptor tied to wine since it is the hot flavor of 2015. As we mentioned in our article on Orange Wine, many of those were traditionally sweetened with honey – keep an eye out for sweet wines described as having a honey taste.
Whether or not these will ring true it’s interesting to see what the predictions are versus what comes to fruition. Which of these trends are you most interested in seeing on a wine list near you?