what are the new wine trends?

[annie5433]

I am still a novice in wine tasting, and am really curious what is hot now in the world of wine.I was hoping that someone could give me some tips.

[Auburnwine]

Because of quality and price, Aussie reds are quite popular in my circle.

I think Grenache is attracting lots of attention, as are Syrahs/Shirazes.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Annie, and welcome to the Wine Board. Regions tend to be more hot than individual wines.

New Zealand, a.k.a. Kiwiland, is red hot. Their sauvignon blanc has been hot for so long that it is becomming old hat. However, their pinot noir is afire. For a value, for at least a little while, look for Sherwood Estate (around $13).

While Long Island is getting ho hum, the Finger Lakes of New York are sizzling. While L.I. concentrated on merlot while people were getting sick of it, instead of cabernet franc which they also did very well, the F.L.s not only perfected the only European like riesling made in America, but also have been coming along strong with cabernet franc.

Despite the dissent of one of our board members, Washington State is red hot with syrah. Particularly that from the Walla Walla and Red Mountain regions.

Central and Southern Italy are red hot, with new discoveries of age old wines being made every week. Check out the Italian Thread on this board for details.

Argentina is also red hot. Look for malbec, blends of malbec with other grapes, and great examples of more well know grapes such as cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo (the Rioja grape), and syrah. Also, lesser known grapes such as bonarda, carmenero, and trumpeter (actually merlot).

Hope this gives you something to chew on and/or drink.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 02-19-2003).]

[dananne]

I agree with everything that has been said, but would also like to put in a few words about some hot trends involving Spain. Priorat is red hot (though prices are moving accordingly). Also, there are some hot wines in Spain from some old vine grenache, mourvedre, and monstrell from little known regions such as Yecla that can be had for a song.

Also, I think that more and more people are willing to give local wines a shot and are finding that the quality is getting better and better. I love a Georgia winery called Tiger Mountain, I have friends in Michigan that are high on their sparkling wines, the nortons in Missouri are supposedly great, and Virginia is getting to be big, too, especially with viognier, I hear. Heck, Auburnwine has recently mentioned a 25 year old muscadine from either Alabama or Mississippi, I believe, that knocked his socks off. So, don't shy away from your local stuff [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[Kcwhippet]

Totally agree with IK on the Finger Lakes wines. The Rieslings are soooo nice.

Besides Priorat, check out the wines from Penedes.

[Drew]

Also agree with dananne re to Spanish wine, very hot and very affordable. Australia is still red hot, at least in this area and my cellar [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]. I see larger displays of Aussies in all the local wine shops and the prices seem to be stable.

Drew