2014 Predictions for the World of Wine
By Zoltan Szabo on January 7, 2014
Below, in no particular order, are the predictions for 2014, a little ranting, and ‘wishful thinking’ courtesy of our very own “Nostradamus” aka Zoltan Szabo. Enjoy!
- Classic wines from classic regions will rule in ’14, in favour of the old world. Burgundy, Piedmont, Mosel, Rioja, Rhone, Champagne sells to decline
- Southern Italy rules the < $10 (and drinkable, ranging from good-very good) wines market, globally speaking, that’s crystal clear
- The Iberian Peninsula, Spain and Portugal, will define what quality:price ratio really means, and remember, some of these wines can also age.
- Down Under & the rest of southern hemisphere will stay under the radar, except Chile’s microclimatic diversity, and South Africa’s big renaissance
- Before goin’ any further with these predictions, I must say that over-oaked wines, especially those made using wood chips, give me violent diarrhea
- The Chinese will realize that $ does not grow grapes or make wine, not even in Bordeaux. The fastest way to become a millionaire is to start as billionaire
- No more “Local wine trend” c’mon, it’s been here for a while, it has deep & strong roots, it won’t be going anywhere, and the quality is skyrocketing!
- Countries will keep delivering quality wines (also considering affordability), other than those already mentioned – Greece, Austria & Hungary
- Countries not to be ignored (already producing some outstanding wines), Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Turkey, Israel, and especially China…
- The mambo jumbo regarding “natural” “organic” “biodynamic” will stop – people are smart. Wine is wine, since Mesopotamia, no additives, amen.
- Grapes fascinatin’ me (you) – Melon de Bourgogne, Godello, Furmint & Hárslevelû (vinified dry), Juhfark, Assyrtico, Antao Vaz, Rktsiteli
- Grapes fascinatin’ me (you),- Kadarka, Fetească Neagră, Xinomavro, Blaufränkisch, Mencia, Petite Sirah (Royal Punishers, anagrammatically speaking), Mavrud, Saperavi
- “Volcano” wines to capture the imagination of consumers (not only the Sommelier). Look for Mád (Tokaj – Hegyalja), Wachau, Somló (white wine made from the Juhfark grape in this region is the epiphany of “volcano” wine. Emperors of the Habsburg dynasty traditionally drank it on their wedding night), Santorini, Alsace, Napa
- Everyone in the wine biz will eventually understand that none of us will change the world, so let’s relax. However, we can certainly make it a bit better!!!
- Wines on my table in ’14 come from the Ontario,Dão, and Bairrada, Jerez, Tokaj – Hegyalja (dry), Franciacorta and Gaspereau (bubbly), Kakheti, Nemea regions
- And, once again, regarding those sweet like blueberry pie “dry” red wines, well, fine, some like it, but why not mention RS (residual sugar) content on the label? Wishful thinking, perhaps…
(Image: The Douro Valley, yet another wine region favoured by Zoltan).
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