EXPERT
Series Two
WHAT’S HOT RIGHT NOW?
Experimentation
Be different. Stand out from the crowd. Be Authentic. Consumers are not afraid to try new things, here are a few experimental wine trends to pay attention to – whiskey and wine, natural wine and bucking traditions with mixing up wine glass choices or food pairings. Go for it!
In today’s day and age, it pays to be different. To stand out from the crowd. To be authentic. The same can be said for wine. What has long been steeped in tradition is now embracing a new wave of wine producers and wine consumers who aren’t afraid to try new things … or bring old things back and make them new again. If you fancy yourself an experimentalist, below are a few of the latest experimental wine trends you may want to pay attention to.
WHISKEY & WINE
Can’t decide between whiskey or wine? Well, now you don’t have to! A new trend popping up in the cellars of several winemakers is aging red wines in barrels previously used to age whiskey or bourbon. Often referred to as the winemaker’s spice rack, the type of barrel chosen to age a wine can greatly influence the complexity of the finished wine. In this case, winemakers are able to fold in subtle layers of a whiskey nuance in an unconventional, yet GENIUS way! Now aren’t we all scratching our heads saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
NATURAL WINE
Natural wine is making a comeback. It’s been a couple thousand years, so it’s about time, right? In short, for a wine to be considered a natural wine, it must be made the way it was in the olden days, by taking organically-grown fruit, fermenting it into wine and adding nothing, while also not taking anything away. This has captured the attention of winemakers and consumers alike because today’s modern day winemaking techniques employ a host of, what are considered “necessary,” additives in the cellar, such as yeast and sulfur dioxide, to ensure a consistent wine from lot to lot. Natural wines, on the other hand, use nothing, which often results in lack of taste consistency, as well as other potential off-putting side effects such as wines with cloudy, tangy or yeasty characteristics. Not for everyone, but certainly a trendy conversation piece gaining attention as of late. Next time you are feeling especially adventurous, spring for a bottle of natural wine to taste what all the talk is about.
BUCKING TRADITION
Were you the kid who insisted on wearing blue, even though everyone else was wearing red? Well then, you’ll likely identify with the trend – led by Millennials, no doubt – towards doing the opposite of what has always been done. For example, folks are now nixing their Champagne flutes in favor of tulip-shaped glasses with more surface area to better enjoy the aromatics of their sparkling wine. Is there a wrong or a right? Who is to judge? Moral of this trend? We have finally entered an age where it is acceptable to buck tradition and drink what, when and how you want to drink. You want your red wine served chilled? Go for it! You want a glass of Rosé on a blistery winter’s day? Do it! If the Pinot you are drinking tastes big and flavorful with good tannins, then, by all means, pair it with the steak! Cheers to you, you cheeky rule breaker!