Experimentation and exploration, the two words we can use, to sum up, 2019 of wine. Today an unquenchable thirst for innovation is characterising wine drinkers. They curiously seek out wines obtained from lesser-known grapes, up-and-coming producers and new methods of purchasing. The times when you would always order the same old bottles and when only well-known brands would end up in the spotlight are no more.

The trends in the wine world have changed frequently, with highs and lows alternating throughout history. In the past, it was always the aristocracy that set the trends and lead the fashions. Think of the impact that wars, trading routes and diplomatic incidents must have had on consumption!

These days, the wine sector is more dynamic than ever and it appears to change from year to year. Above all, the new generations are the ones setting the trends today, fully capable of seeking out and sharing their favourite wines thanks to the power of the web and social media. Another key role is played by bars and restaurants with innovative management, which constantly offers new proposals to their customers in the field of wines.

Having said this, here are the 7 trends that are changing the world of wine and that will certainly influence what you drink in the coming months. Take note!

1. WINE WITH A HISTORY BEHIND IT

Food has always been one of the favourite subjects up for discussion for many Italians, but lately this passion has spread all over the world. The histories of producers, artisans, dishes, and beverages are becoming increasingly more popular. A growing interest in regional specialties, in small gastronomic pearls and in wines produced in limited quantities is changing the ways we buy and consume wine. People have come back to visit markets and buy directly from farms, with a closer focus on how and where the products are made.

And the wine cellars are also experiencing this development. A growing number of people are looking for wines that are capable of arousing their imagination and which have an interesting story to tell. This gives many small independent companies new lifeblood, allowing them to bol

dly propose themselves as an alternative in a sector dominated by big names.

It is not difficult to understand the reasoning behind this change. We are fed-up with the same old wines. Expensive marketing campaigns fail to inspire true emotions and to speak to our personal tastes and interests. And seeking out a local product, a small example of excellence or the new autochthonous grape variety is definitely more thrilling.

Additionally, especially in the world of the social networks, it is now possible to follow a good deal of wine “communicators”, not just industry experts and sommeliers but also simple enthusiasts and fans who sign with the name #Winelover.

2. IT’S THE ERA OF THE “LIGHT REDS”

Over the last few years, the craze for drinking rosé wines has exploded all over the world, with Italy perhaps one of the countries least affected by this phenomenon. The success of rosé wines is above all related to their pairing with different dishes and the fact that they should be served slightly cool, making them suitable for all seasons.

And then, maybe due to the increasing number of vegetarians and vegans, our diet also now includes a growing number of plant-based elements that have even been promoted to the rank of main courses in many restaurants. And everyone knows that vegetable dishes should never be paired with very heavy wines or those with a strong taste.

The good news is that Italy offers a fantastic selection of “light reds”, grown above all in the Alps or where the cool climate produces wine with low alcohol content, delicate tannins, and a light body. These wines are ideal for everyday consumption all year round. They do not need to be aged, are highly versatile when paired with food and extremely flavoursome.

Looking for a few recommendations? Bonarda and dry Lambrusco without a doubt! Put that image of Lambrusco as a sweetish strawberry smoothie tasting wine in a vat right out of your head. Lambrusco, re-fermented in the bottle with low alcohol content, is undoubtedly the greatest thing since sliced bread in the wine world at the moment. Otherwise, if you prefer still wines, we recommend reds such as Schiava, Lagrein, and Marzemino from South Tyrol, Pinot Nero from any production area or wines made with Nerello Mascalese or Frappato, if you want to head south, in Sicily.

3. THE BIG NAMES ARE LEFT ON THE BENCH

Chianti, Bordeaux, Napa Valley… examples of names that have dominated the market for a long time. Many bottles from these areas sport a rather pompous label, an inflated price and the products inside are not always worth what you pay for them. The renewed passion for research and the thriftiness of the new generation of wine-drinkers is changing how many of the giants in the wine industry are perceived. This fans the fire of the new tendency to favour unknown or autochthonous grape varieties that are capable of expressing the characteristics of the territory in a very personal, original way, and can often even be found at lower prices.

Instead, other wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco have remained on the crest of the wave, adapting to accommodate the wind of change in the taste stakes and seeking new vinification styles that favour the softness of lower alcohol content than the traditional versions.

Want to know what the creators of this revolution are called? The Barolo Boys!

4. NATURAL WINES TAKE CENTRE STAGE

These days, the words organic, biodynamic and natural are on everyone’s lips and were also bound to influence the wine industry sooner or later.

Consumers are still slightly confused about the real differences between organic, natural and biodynamic wines, but one thing is certain: as soon as the word “green” is uttered, an immediate chain reaction follows. Generally speaking, these types of wines use a limited amount or no synthetic wine additives. Then, in the case of biodynamic wines, this is combined with the use of practices based on ancient countryside traditions, both in the vineyard and the cellar.

Now stamped with the terrible label of “wines that stink”, natural wines are continuing to win over the palates of the masses, and young people in particular, who are extremely sensitive when it comes to sustainability and respecting the environment.

And further proof of this growing popularity can also be found in the various wine events that are spreading throughout Italy such as ‘ViniVeri’ in Cerea, ‘Vini di Vignaioli’ in Fornovo and the many themed wine bars.

But although this is nothing new, you might be surprised to know that vegan wines are also winning over increasingly more consistent market shares. They are easy to spot on the shelves because they declare themselves as vegan-friendly on the label, distinguishing themselves from wines suitable for vegetarians by one factor: they cannot contain wine additives of animal origin – even when these do not entail killing or exploiting our friends in the animal kingdom- such as egg white and the casein used to clarify wine musts.

5. THE GRAND DEBUT OF ORANGE WINES

Until a short time ago, that unfortunate name “orange wine” was held in consideration by so few that these white wines produced in oxidation were reserved to a small clientele composed of those who worked in the industry and those with bizarre tastes. Instead, today the term orange wine is used to describe natural wines with a big personality, sought after and loved by the masses. Today, orange wines are considered a separate wine category, with their own specific identity.

6. BRING YOUR OWN BOTTLE

Bringing a bottle from home and drinking it in a restaurant is no longer a sign of unworthiness, abhorred by the most assiduous observers of etiquette.

BYOB is the latest trend from the United States and it is now catching on in Italy too, for the first time. It’s important to pay a corkage fee (even if it is not always required), a small fee that enables you to drink your own favourite wine served professionally by the restaurant’s resident sommelier.

7. TECHNOLOGY AT YOUR SERVICE

It is not easy for us to associate wine with speed and technology. For wine, time passes slowly, a long time, and sometimes the production process takes just as many years as the aging phase. And wine thrives when it is drunk slowly during dinner, fuelling long conversations. However, we are now noticing a remarkable increase in the use of applications and technologies for identifying new bottles and interesting wines we might like to try out.

There are many new services designed to support the consumer. Now it is easy to find detailed information about the grape and the vineyard, the recommended pairings, not to mention thousands of comments and reviews. And not only that, but we also have our virtual sommelier who can recommend the best wine for any occasion, and provide tools with which to search for discounts by ordering through buying groups.

But one thing that makes us curious is that we have noticed how instead, the technology used in the world of production seems to be moving forward with the handbrake on. In the vineyard, it is fashionable to harvest by hand and to use traditional cultivation methods. While consumers are gaining more expertise thanks to technology, on the other hand, it looks like wine producers are re-discovering the values of simplicity. These two worlds meet, and in our opinion, this is one of the things that makes the wine industry more and more interesting.

WINE MADE WITH LOVE AND RESPECT NEVER GOES OUT OF FASHION

It can be difficult to keep up with all the recent developments linked to wine, as it is a very extensive, and sometimes rather elitist world. However, one thing is certain, and we must never forget it: a good wine, made with love and respect, never goes out of fashion.

Try to get to know what you like, understand why you have certain tastes and it will be difficult for you to find yourself drinking from the wrong bottle. How? There is one simple way that ensures instant results.

Discover new bottles to love with our taste test!