There are plenty of look back at 2016 articles, so we thought that we would have a look at the possible trends for 2017.
January – Dry January is not as successful for the anti-alcohol lobby as they hoped as the backlash to political correctness and nanny state grips the UK.
However most people agree with the idea of reducing their alcohol consumption and begin to seek out lower alcohol German estate wines. They re-discover wines of exceptionally high quality, and delightfully between 7 and 11% alcohol. Consumers also shake off the snobbish side of the wine business that has created the myth that sweeter wines are poorer quality.
February – Kicking on from less than dry January, Lambrusco Emilia Romagna takes off. The original Lambrusco is red, dry and sparkling. Pre-millennials, the UK market corrupted the wine to being white and sweet. In its authentic version it is around 11% alcohol and an excellent food accompaniment, as you would expect from this gourmet region of Italy.
March – In a flight of fancy, the Chancellor announces that Wine Duty is to be reduced on the basis that the 2014 cancellation of the duty escalator increased revenues and the number of jobs that are reliant on the wine business will be increased by so doing. At the same time it mitigates some of the necessary industry increases from exchange rate impact.
Mothers Day see a surge of demand for Cava from Penedes in Spain.
April – The Easter bunny arrives bearing gifts of Franciacorta, a sparkling wine from west of Prosecco, whose new found fame challenges Champagne.
May – As we look forward to Brexit, having had Article 50 signed and motivated, our wine horizons open up to include Chinese wines from the 2016 harvest. As the eight largest wine producer in the world pumping out 130M litres of wine per annum (Vinexpo/IWSR 2015) it is already a significant industry in its own right.
June – Our first dash of warm weather gives us a thirst for white wines. The Slovenian Sauvignon and historic, little seen Italian variety Rebula becomes popular in high end bars, clubs and hotels as an alternative for Marlborough Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio. Some top restaurants also find them to be excellent food matches.
July – Californian, Washington State and Oregon all benefit from some focus around US Independence Day as the consumer in high end restaurants selects Premium Chardonnay. They enjoy the richer nature of the wines that are more hand made craft in style from single estates.
August – ‘Craft’ wine is ‘discovered’ by the millennials sector. Young people connect with the natural, organic and biodynamic aspect of wine production, which typically comes from smaller, family produced, estates. High end Austrian wine receives a surprise boost with grape varieties such as Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt coming to the fore. Many millennials insist on chilling it during the baking hot summer that 2017 turns out to be!
September – Often the post holiday lull before the Autmunal Christmas storm, the consumer ventures into unlikely places discovering Turkish wines. With less than 100 wineries, but having a production history that goes back over 5,000 years, the wines are enjoyed by the UK’s renewed post-Brexit spirit of exploration. The hybrid movement for wine shops that also serve wine by the glass continue to grow and assist consumers in finding different wines.
October – The Wine is becoming recognised as the area of hospitality businesses that can make or break a meal experience. Getting it right is the top priority for hoteliers, restauranteurs and hospitality providers, and that means that it is no longer acceptable to have a bible as a wine list and see that as authority. A well chosen list is the virtuous, value creating route.
November – Loire Valley reds typically made from Cabernet Franc continue forward the popularity of lighter red wines. Regions such as Bourgeuil, St Nicolas de Bourgeuil, Saumur-Champigny, Chinon come to the fore with delicious examples of cherry ripe, raspberry fruits being complemented by the lightness in body and alcohol.
December – The favourite mulled wine comes round again with a twist. As the UK reflects on its first year facing Brexit and realising that life outside the EU is actually going to be vibrant, exciting and worthwhile, our traditional mulled wine is topped with Prosecco, Cava, Franciacorta or for the ultimate experience Champagne – the decadent will be using Cristal or Dom Perignon.
We close the year having had an excellent summer, reduced duty rates a positive economic experience and forecast whilst maintaining excellent relationships with our European neighbours. We wish you all the very best for 2017.
Alistair Morrell
Hospitality & Catering News, Wine Content Executive