Red wine trends
Last week we wrote of recent purchasing trends in white wines, so here is the red wine side of the ledger and just like the trends in white this is unlikely to change your personal buying patterns, but may introduce you to some varietals and appellations you were not previously familiar with.
The clear trend of the last several months in reds actually turns out to be a vintage rather than a varietal or appellation. As we have written about frequently, the 2007 vintage has turned out to be one for the history books for just about every appellation with the exception of Oregon.
Everywhere else though the wines are of extraordinary quality and affordable prices as the soft economy created a wine glut. Consumers are responding by buying up the 2007s quickly after they hit the market while the prices remain stable due to the aforementioned oversupply.
Varietally speaking Cabernet remains king. Whether they are from California, Washington, Idaho or Bordeaux, "Cabs" are still the most requested varietal. Stylistically we are seeing some subtle shifts to Cabernets that are more balanced in their oak profile and more too that are blended with other Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Blending is the hallmark of great winemaking and wine buyers are more than ever looking for good blends.
Two of the other fuller bodied red varietals are seeing stabilizing trends. For both Merlot and Syrah we went through a time where sales were nonexistent. It was so bad for a time that folks would pass on trying the wines at a tasting or even after tasting them and finding them pleasing would not buy them. Thankfully this trend has turned and we now see improving numbers for both of these noble grapes.
In lighter bodied varietals we are seeing consumers drastically expanding their openness to more kinds of wine. It used to be that folks looking for a lighter wine would always gravitate to the Pinot Noir section. Now bottlings of Grenache, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese from appellations all over the states are gaining in popularity. Meanwhile from Europe appellations like Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape in France which feature Grenache based blends, and Bardolino and Chianti in Italy which focus on Barolo and Sangiovese respectively are receiving more and more inquiries.
Pinot Noirs, or as it is known in France Red Burgundy, do remain very popular and with a tough vintage for Oregon in 2007, California and Burgundy are receiving more attention. The best trend for Pinot though is pricing. As more winemakers become proficient at handling the fussiest of varietals and as there is more grown we are finding more bottlings that are affordable.
Finally we are seeing a trend towards more restraint in one of our favorite red wine grapes, Zinfandel. For a time the wines were being made with such high alcohol levels and so much richness and oak that the wines were off putting. The great news is there are many really good wines at compelling prices to choose from right now in just about every category. Consult your favorite wine professional for recommendations in any of these categories and try some of these new trendsetters. While it may not change your list of favorites it will enhance your list of choices.
If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.
George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Wine Rodeo. www.thedinnerpartyshop.com