Grape Gossip, Psychic Reserve - Our predictions for the year ahead

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2008 looks set to be a big year in many ways for the wine world, and like so many others we at Reserve have been thinking about the coming months and what they hold in store. Here are our predictions (and tips) on what’s coming your way….

Kate’s Vinous Clairvoyancy 2008 will be good news for the Kiwis. Not only will their Sauvignons become ever more popular, but they’ll start to gain real recognition for the myriad other varieties that they grow so well. Reserve customers are ahead of the game in this area – many of you are already huge fans of their Pinot Noirs, but expect more from the likes of Syrah, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, particularly from less well-known areas such as Hawkes Bay, Nelson and Central Otago (which is the new Pinot hot-spot too). Staying with the Down-Under theme, this year will be a breakthrough year for Tasmania. The island state’s cool climate makes it perfect for Champagne style sparklers, and we’re seeing more and more exciting producers shipping their wines over here. Back them to buck the Aussie trend and be the new big thing by Crimbo!

Chris’ Paranormal Prediction 2007 was a good year for Californian wines on this side of the pond, but 2008 looks set to be even better. Not only will the weak dollar push prices down, and encourage growers to export their wines (great news as my main gripe with these wines has always been their high prices), but the area is in for a huge publicity boost with the release of not one but two movies about the infamous 1976 Paris Tasting at which a host of Californian wines trounced the top Bordeaux Chateaux in a blind tasting by top experts. If the ‘Sideways Effect’ is anything to go by, we should be seeing a rush for our USA shelf fairly soon

Nick’s Wine Revelation We’re seeing an increasing number of people in the shop asking for lower alcohol wines. I don’t mean the 5%ers, simply drinks that don’t kill you stone dead with 14%ABV. There’s definitely a growing trend towards the 12% wines which leave you with less of a hangover the next morning! Look out on our website for a new ‘LOWER ALCOHOL’ section, coming soon, but in the meantime, head for wines from cooler climates or made with grapes naturally lower in alcohol such as Riesling, Muscat and Gamay. 2008 will also be the year when BioDynamics hit the mainstream, and everyone starts to ask about the ‘Carbon footprint’ of their Friday night tipple.

Carl’s Divinatory Vision I hate to be the oracle of doom, but there’s bad news on the horizon for all you Pinot Grigio fans. A succession of scandals, followed by the strength of the Euro means that we can expect fairly big price hikes this year, especially after April’s budget, when we’re sure to see another inflation-busting increase on Alcohol duty. So far, the industry has been taking the hit on these issues, but 08 will be the year when it has to pass it on.

This will turn out to be great news for someone, as many Pinot Grigio drinkers look elsewhere for cheap thrills. Expect Sauvignon Blanc to continue its inexorable rise, especially in South America, and watch for South Africa coming up on the inside. This sleeping giant is finally getting out of the doldrums and producing brilliant wines across the board.

4 more to watch in 2008:

Vino de la Tierra. Spain’s answer to Vin de Pays is pulling a similar trick and producing some amazing value, cracking quality wines. Look out for the likes of Yecla, Castillo y Leon, and for up and coming Dos Jumilla, Cigales and Rias Baixas.

Australia. Drought in 2007 may lead to higher prices this year (due to lower production), but it was a stellar year for Clare Valley Riesling and quality producers across the country.

Israel is set to follow Lebanon into the big time

Argentina is investing a huge amount on marketing their wine in this country, so expect to experience Malbec Fatigue by Christmas

…and one for the long term…

China looks set to be the next big thing. It already produces a huge amount of wine, but quality is getting better, and the wines are set to spring onto the UK market. I kid you not!