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Australia Day to put sparkling red trend to the test
The predicted trend towards sparkling red wine in 2017 will be put to the test this month at the annual Australia Day Tasting.
Visitors to the Australia Day Tasting later this month will be invited to share their thoughts on 2017 wine trends via Twitter using the hashtag #ADTwine
After Bibendum predicted that red would be the next chapter in the ‘alternative sparkling’ story in December through analysis of its Mode data analysis tool, Wine Australia is set to present a selection of Aussie sparkling Shiraz from producers such as Dowie Doole, Gatt Wines, Peter Lehmann, Taltarni and Turkey Flat.
The marketing body will invite attendees to share their thoughts on the wines and trend predictions via Twitter using the hashtag #ADTwine.
As many as 1,100 wines will be available to taste at the Australia Day Tasting at Victoria House in London on 24 January, giving trade members the chance to assess not just the likelihood of a sparkling red trend, but also to explore other hot topics such as alternative grape varieties and the growing demand for premium wines.
In terms of alternative varieties, in addition to Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay – Australia’s top three exported varieties – visitors on 24 January will find examples of Assyrtiko, Dolcetto, Fiano, Lagrein, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Touriga Nacional, among others.
Following reports that consumers are drinking less but better, Wine Australia is expecting the ‘premiumisation’ trend to continue for Australian wine through 2017. Australian wine exports are seeing strong growth, with the latest figures showing premium wines are in high demand.
At the Australia Day Tasting, Australia’s most iconic fine wines, including Penfold’s St Henri Shiraz, Torbreck’s Descendant, Clonakilla’s Shiraz Viognier, Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon, Henschke’s Julius Riesling and De Bortoli’s Noble One will be on pour.
Laura Jewell MW, Wine Australia head of market EMEA, said: “The trend towards premium wine is my prediction, but not just for 2017 as this is a gradual, ongoing movement. All three potential trends – alternative varieties, sparkling red and the move to premium – demonstrate that it’s a very exciting time for Australia.
“Quality, diversity and innovation are the hallmarks of Australian wine and this is exactly what we’ll be showcasing at the Australia Day Tasting.”
Sign up for the Australia Day Tasting here.