The Next Big Things in Wine

The Next Big Things in Wine

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The Next Big Things in Wine

WineDown is often asked what the Next Big Thing in wine will be. Naturally, if we knew that, this issue would be being written poolside at our Port Douglas condo, instead of at the kitchen table in a chilly southern capital – beneath a crocheted rug. However, we are privy to some inside info which provides fascinating insights. And this, in combination with a shrewd reading of the tea leaves, allows us to make some pronouncements.

The future of wine is the hands of a whole new generation of consumers, and they see things a bit differently to the old guard. As a result, the Next Big Things in wine are likely to be... well... small.

Little, Light and Low

Not for them, the alcoholic blockbusters that their parents and grandparents chowed down on: Generation Wine prefers refreshing, lighter-bodied styles. Varieties that are naturally low in alcohol (Riesling, Gamay, and Moscato for example), or wines tamed by a gentle soda spritz, are increasingly popular. The low alcohol revolution has prompted some great responses from producers like Lindeman’s, whose Early Harvest range promises 25% less alcohol and fewer calories than comparable wines. And there’s a huge upswing of interest in non-alcoholic and de-alcoholised wines (and not only during Dry July!). The light ’n low mantra doesn’t stop at wine, either. Environmentally conscious Gen W favours low-impact packaging, so if you thought wine in a can was a flash in the pan, think again Gramps. Cans are here to stay.

Wine = Fun

Gen W is knowledgeable and wine-savvy, but these dudes wanna have fun. They love quirky, new styles, and unusual ways of doing things. They’re totally up for hybrid drinks, like Pinot Noir Gin or Ginsecco; (both from Squealing Pig) or Coffee Shiraz (from Lindeman’s Gentleman’s Collection). Speaking of which – and sorry, this wasn’t intended to be a Lindeman’s rave – how could any self-respecting hipster possibly resist the luxuriant, snowy, diploid whiskers of Dr H. J. Lindeman that adorn the label? Talk about capturing the zeitgeist!

(Notwithstanding Dr Lindeman’s exuberant muttonchops, WineDown is harbouring a secret hope that one of the Next Big Things will be razor blades.)

Explorers

The new wine consumer is a fearless explorer. Emerging varieties (such as Grüner Veltliner, Nero d’Avola and Assyrtiko) are their jam. Natural wines (however challenging to the palate!), Field Blends (where different varieties grown in the same vineyard are picked and fermented all together), Organic and Low-Intervention wines are all on Gen W’s must-try list. (Listen up, Boomers ) But don’t be fooled. Just because they welcome new styles, formats and experiences, doesn’t mean that modern wine lovers aren’t enthusiastic consumers of classic styles. History and heritage are greatly admired by Gen W – particularly when backed up with a compelling story.

Criminal Behaviour

One of the best illustrations of this is the staggering success of the 19 Crimes brand. These are well-made wines in the classic Aussie tradition (Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and blends) – each with its own extraordinary backstory, based on the 19 gazetted crimes that once resulted in transportation to the penal colony of New South Wales.

And it’s not just the arresting stories. 19 Crimes executed the perfect Yurchenko double pike, delivering these tales via an innovative augmented reality label: scan the label to see and hear their yarns. Wine-loving, tech-savvy, story-adoring Gen W is, understandably, in raptures. And they’re not alone.

Back to the Future

As readers know, wine is a lifetime journey of discovery: varieties fall in and out of fashion; styles come and go. For this very reason, there’s a whole generation of wine consumers who have never ever experienced a full-bodied, oaky Chardonnay! But – even while pushing forward – every generation (re)discovers the gems of its predecessors. (Anyone else lecture their parents on the brilliance of Sinatra?) The new generation of wine consumers will undoubtedly shape the future of Aussie wine.

Won’t it be awesome when they invent Adelaide Hills Chardonnay?