Top 5 Wine Trends For Summer
With summer fast approaching, here are the top 5 trends flooding the wine industry right now.
Trend 1: Embracing Bubbles
Consumption of sparkling wines is booming worldwide and Australia is no exception. While Champagne remains a popular and more traditional choice for celebrations all-year round, sparkling wines and Prosecco (the most famous Italian sparkling white wine) are driving category growth in Australia. On trend wines to try: Champagne Taittinger Brut Rèserve, Henkell Trocken & Mionetto Prosecco.
Trend 2: The Rosé Resurgence
Sales of Rosé have soared, making the varietal one of the fastest growing wine categories in Australia. Demand for Rosé is high at all ends of the market, from affordable to premium offerings. A go-to-favourite as the weather warms up, Rosé is a refreshing, food-friendly wine, perfect for the Australian lifestyle and al fresco entertaining. On trend wines to try: McW 480 Estate Tumbarumba Rosé & Mateus Rosé.
Trend 3: The Rise of High Altitude Wines
Australian consumers are increasingly becoming more interested and involved with wine and are seeking out better quality drops. Wines from high-altitude, cool-climate regions such as New South Wales are increasing in popularity as more people discover and fall in love with their fresh, vibrant and food-friendly profiles. On trend wines to try: McW 480 Estate Tumbarumba Chardonnay, McW 660 Reserve Tumbarumba Chardonnay, McW 480 Estate Hilltops Shiraz & McW 660 Reserve Hilltops Shiraz.
Trend 4: Wine Explorers
As consumers become more adventurous with wine and select more premium options, they are exploring niche varietals, new regions and experimenting with new food and wine pairings. This trend is about rediscovering our nation’s unsung regional varietals, such as Hunter Valley Semillon, as well as throwing out the rule book – who’s to say you can’t enjoy a Shiraz in Summer?! These explorers vary from novices to confident wine enthusiasts. On trend wines to try: McW Alternis Vermentino & Mount Pleasant Cellar Aged Elizabeth Semillon.
Trend 5: Fortifieds Revival
Fortified wines are traditionally known as an aperitif (pre-dinner) or a dessert wine; perhaps a drink we remember our parents or grandparents enjoying back in the day. Whilst it’s a style of wine still very much misunderstood, there is a growing interest for premium fortified wines – especially amongst bar-goers looking to enjoy something a little different on a night out. The great thing about fortified wines is that they are versatile – enjoyed on their own, mixed with sodas or as an indulgent cocktail. On trend wines to try: McWilliam’s Signature Release 5-Year-Old Tawny & McWilliam’s Show Reserve Rare 25-Year-Old Muscat.
