2012 Wine Trends
By Cardinal Wine & Spirits
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As we look into our crystal decanter, we see plenty of excitement for the wine industry in 2012.
The red blends will continue to grow in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. This is the winemaker’s opportunity to be like a mad scientist in the lab, creating the perfect blend from whatever grapes they can find. These wines are about instant gratification, designed to be easy on the palate.
Spain has exploded onto the market, thanks in large part to importer Jorge Ordonez’s ability to find wineries willing to make wines that over-deliver on quality for the price, yet still hang on to tradition. If you haven’t had Grenacha yet, you’re in for a treat. This could be the next Malbec.
The demand for pinot noir caught wineries off guard a few years back and sent them on a mad dash to plant more vines.
Now that those vines are producing fruit, we are starting to see some outstanding values on the “under $20” category with some varieties shockingly floating around the $10 level.
For the first time, we’ve seen an increase in sales of bubbles throughout the entire year instead of just at the holidays. This is a trend we are happy to see, as more people are discovering just how versatile sparkling wines can be.
This could be the ultimate food wine, pairing well with everything from lobster to steak to pizza to PB&J.
Plus, nobody is in a bad mood when drinking champagne.
It’s been a struggle, but we have finally seen an increase in alternative white sales. We love chardonnays as much as anyone, and it will always remain king, but there is always room for something different to seduce your palate.
In our minds, there is nothing sexier than Viognier, but it has always struggled to gain popularity, maybe because it’s not easy to pronounce — vi-ohn-yay. How about a Spanish Albarińo?
One trend we have been seeing — and we hope more to see more of — is that restaurants are becoming more wine friendly. The smart ones understand wine is an important component of the dining experience and have begun treating the wine list with as much care as they do their menu.
We see smart restaurants allow patrons to bring in wine and charge a small corkage fee; we’ve also seen some offer half-price bottles on certain nights. These are win-win situations for everyone.
Following are a few examples from each trend we’ve talked about.
AMBERHILL — SECRET BLEND $8
Though the blend is no real secret, what is a mystery is how they make it taste so darn good for so little scratch. The Amberhill is overflowing with ripe blackberries, raspberry and currants, with a kiss of chocolate to seal the deal.
GARNACHA DE FUEGO — $9
This is the wine that started the Spanish craze for us. Packed with loads of seductive red and dark fruits, the taste expands in the mouth before giving way to a long, silky finish. For just nine bucks, this one is a steal.
AQUINAS — PINOT NOIR $15
A few years ago, you never would have found a pinot noir this delicious for so little. Velvety red fruit gently caresses the palate with notes of cherry plum and cocoa powder showing through on the luxurious finish.
VARICHON & CLERC — BLANC DE BLANC $12
This has been the biggest hit in bubbles this year, and one taste will tell you why. Rich, ripe tropical fruit dances effortlessly on the tongue, showing depth and complexity usually found in wines at much higher prices. We’ve had $40 to $50 champagnes that were no better than this bargain.
MINER — VIOGNIER $20
These guys have been making Viognier for a long time, and it shows. Sexy, floral notes blossom in the mouth, exposing gentle notes of apricot and orange marmalade. It’s an exhilarating compliment to seared scallops.
LA CANA — ALBARINO $14
Think pinot grigio meets sauvignon blanc, then gives a wink to chardonnay. Bright, exotic fruit explodes on the palate, revealing notes of tangerine, kiwi and melon, leading to a lively, refreshing finish. Try with fish tacos or Asian dishes.
On a sad note, the wine industry lost Emily Miner of Miner Family Wines. We have lost a friend.
