Now we’re just getting to grips with 2017, we can look back at 2016 and its wine trends. There were a few changes and surprises in the wine industry – although not as many as there were in other spheres! Let’s have a look at a few of the movers and shakers from last year.
Natural wines
Concerns about soil health in California (as well as in other regions of the world) have led to lots of wineries going back to basics and using old-fashioned ways of producing their wines. They’re not using additives or modern mechanical equipment, so the real taste and character of the region comes through in the finished product. It’s a real grower among wine experts and environmentalists alike.
American sparkling wines
Europe is no longer the hub for sparkling wines, with lots of American wineries starting to really embrace the fizz. Some pundits think 2016 was the start of a great era for American, and Californian in particular, sparkling wines. There are several Charmat-produced wines coming up through the ranks and taking their place among the Proseccos and the Cavas.
Small, specialist grower wines
This is a big trend in California, with smaller growers working with grapes from more unusual climate areas. These growers are also working with varieties like Tempranillo. Some of these producers are also joining the natural wine movement and forgoing new processing methods in favor of letting the terroir speak for itself through the grape.
Lesser-known wines
As the popularity of wine in general continues to grow all over the world, customers and consumers will get bolder and start to reach out for newer or more unusual wines. Everyone loves Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon, but there’s been an upsurge in the lesser-known varieties like Vermentino and Mourvedre.
Pinot noir
This has been around for quite some time, but has previously been seen as a bit more challenging than most reds. As consumers become bolder, however, they’re choosing this tipple more and more – looks like it’s here to stay.