West Side Wine

For some reason, lately I’ve have been asked a lot about what’s going on out there in trend land. And it’s both customers and suppliers doing the asking. Now, I kind of expect it of suppliers, but customers? I wouldn’t think of choosing/buying a wine because it’s hot. But as we can all imagine, there is a current stampede toward “value” wines. Keeping that in mind as part of the equation, here’s what’s rocking from where I’m sitting. 

From Argentina, Malbecs are the new Pinot Noir. They’re inexpensive and, for the most part, satisfying. Chile is hot, because they make a lot of good reds that are bargains. New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are the white version of Malbec. Hot hot hot, and it practically doesn’t matter which one you’re selling. Affordable regions in Italy (Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily), France (Southern Rhone, Languedoc, Loire), and just about any region in Spain and Portugal are sizzling.  I’m also liking the steady build of Rieslings from just about anywhere. Not a lot of money, or alcohol, and overall the wines are fantastic. That’s a great combination. One other oddity is the slow comeback of Merlot.  I guess “Sideways” didn’t quite finish this grape off. Conversely, Pinot Noir has definitely leveled off. No more scurrying around trying to lay my hands on any Pinot Noirs that I can find. It took a few years, but the “Sideways” memories seem to be fading.

So, what’s not hot? Australia, Champagne, California Syrahs, oaky Chardonnays, red Burgundies (my favorite, so there’s more for me), and just about anything high-end. 

So that’s the current state of affairs.  The earth will shift, no doubt, and this list will be outdated in not-too-distant future. But for now, this is the state of the grape. Oh, and one more hot one, especially this time of year. Rosés are flying higher than ever.  Don’t forget our little pink friends.