I have been perusing various food and wine industry publications lately looking for their assessments of trends and predictions for 2015. I noticed that many mention the increasing turn to screw caps and alternative packaging, challenges to the three tier system of wine distribution and associated efforts to promote direct-to-consumer sales, the growing importance of the web, and expanding adoption of sustainable farming and winemaking.
Many also have mentioned the ongoing importance of value. As the economy continues to improve, wine producers and sellers are chomping at the bit to increase prices. Yet, most consumers are looking for value, even though there are reports many consumers are willing to trade up, at least a little bit.
Luckily, additional diversity and choice will benefit consumers. We as consumers naturally are concerned with getting the best value for our purchases. Basically, we look for the best quality possible at the best price possible. In the wine world we have a number of ways to achieve that this goal. One is to follow a contrarian approach.
While Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are great and regions like Bordeaux, Napa, Burgundy and Sonoma produce countless fantastic wines, I advised consumers seeking high value to try more wines from lesser-known grape varieties and growing regions. I have long promoted such a strategy, which has the added benefit of exposing us to some great drinking experiences we wouldn’t otherwise have.
Two of my favorite places to look for value are Italy and Spain. These countries certainly have their great (and expensive) regions – Piedmont and Tuscany in Italy, Ribera del Duero and Rioja in Spain. While there certainly are values from these regions, for Italy, you are better off looking to the south. Try a Nero d’Avola from Sicily, a fiano or aglianico from Campania, or a Salice Salentino from Puglia to name few. For Spain, emerging regions include Toro (tempranillo), Jumilla (monastrell), and Vino de la Tierra de Castilla (garnacha).
Argentina and Chile also should be on your radar. Chilean Sauvignon Blanc compares favorably to the New Zealand variety and Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon continues to be a reasonable alternative to California’s. But for a more unique drinking experience, try a carmenère, which has all but disappeared from its home Bordeaux.
Speaking of French grapes that perform better in South America, the success of malbec has vaulted Argentina’s wine industry to among the best in the world. Its becoming common to see Argentinian Malbecs with the quality (and price) of the best wines anywhere. But even at lower levels, the quality surpasses many comparably priced wines.
And for you “Californiphiles” (I just invented that word), I suggest looking to Paso Robles. As much as I love the wines from great regions like Napa and Sonoma, Paso Robles arguably is the most interesting wine region in the state. This is a trend that has been building for over ten years and Paso is now set to take its place among the best in the world, not just the state. Here also a number of less familiar taste experiences await you (though also some pretty good Cabernet Sauvignon) – including Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Roussanne and creative Rhone-style blends. While there are many good wines priced $15 and under, even the (increasingly more common) higher priced wines represent better values than comparable wines from better-known regions.
Finally, wines from Portugal, Hungary, and Uruguay (who would have thought!) are poised for international attention. From Portugal, there are a variety of wines from indigenous grapes, including table wines from grapes traditionally used to make the great Port wines. Hungary, generally best known for its great Tokaji dessert wine, now is making really nice dry white wines from its grape – furmint. Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay may seem like an unlikely place for good wine but the country is making a name for itself with tannat, another French grape making better wine in South America.
Look for my columns on these regions in the coming months.