Back to the Future

The world of wine is subject to trends and fashions in the same way as other products. Those old enough might remember the sherry heydays of the 1960's turning into sweet German wines of the 1970's. We had Australian Chardonnay in the 1980's and early 1990's followed by the continuing rise of Pinot Grigio.

Trends occur because of tastes and fashion but are also influenced by price and availability. For example the exchange rate against the Australian dollar has made Aussie wines about 30% more expensive over the last three years. So what are the trends likely to be in 2010? Perhaps a return to European wines from the New World.

European wines have a lot going in their favour. Wine drinkers are moving away from the full bodied high alcohol wines more typical of the New World wines as they look for lighter, more food-friendly wines. Price is also on their side with a better exchange rate against the euro holding the price of European wines.

Italy continues to grow with new inexpensive wines arriving and the growth of Prosecco as the sparkling wine of choice. Puglia and Siciliy in the south of Italy with the rich generous fruit are paticualrly worth looking for at present.

In France the Lanuedoc/Roussillon region continues to be innovative and good value. Arguably the most interesting developments are in Spain which is re-inventing itself as a modern, exciting wine country. They seem to be excelling across the board - from easy drinking approachable wines at the budget end, to concentrated fruity wines from old vines and premium wines of great distinction. Our new wines from Priorat, Campo de Borja and Ribera del Duero are especially worth looking out for.

So 2011 might be year when Eurpoe makes a comeback. There are certainly some serious wines at very competitive prices that are well worth exploring.