A fresh new year has begun, full of opportunity and promise. For wine-lovers there are several international wine days that you may want to mark on your calendar for the year ahead, plus a few trends worth watching out of interest.
Classics make a comeback
“While ‘weird’ and esoteric wines may have enjoyed a surge of popularity, there is now a definite swing back to classic wines and wine-drinkers are reacquainting themselves with the more traditional wine varietals,” says Boela Gerber, winemaker for Groot Constantia. “Precision wine-making is also on the rise, and the best wines are being produced by wine estates that show meticulous attention to the smallest detail.”
Packaging gets more diverse
“Recently we saw wine becoming available in alternative packaging – such as cans. Boxed and bagged wine also grew in popularity. A move back to the classic and more traditional wines will see wine-lovers preferring a more traditional packaging method. Yet there is no denying the growing trend towards alternative packaging, as we embrace the need to become more sustainable, and younger wine drinkers – those that generally prefer an easy-drinking, fruity wine, possibly with flavours or mixers added – will still lean towards alternative packaging.”
Lower alcohol wine is popular
“Further to this, many millennial wine drinkers enjoy lower alcohol wines and these wines will continue to enjoy market share, as they meet the needs of the younger market,” says Gerber.
Provenance of the wine in your glass
“Another important trend for the year ahead is a focus on the farm behind the wine. Consumers are increasingly concerned about where the wine came from – they want to know what farming practices are employed, are they environmentally friendly, is the wine mass-produced or small batch, etc. Wine drinkers are now looking beyond the packaging and taste of a wine, and are interested in a more holistic view of what is in the bottle.”
Wine Days
If you’re looking to enjoy more wine in 2020, here’s a list of wine days to mark in your calendar:
Feb 18 – Global Drink Wine Day
Feb 29 – Open That Bottle Night
May 1 – International Sauvignon Blanc Day
May 21 – International Chardonnay Day
June 26 – International Rosé Day
Aug 18 – International Pinot Noir Day
Sept 3 – International Cabernet Day
Oct 10 – International Pinotage Day
Oct 16 – Champagne Day
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