Out with the Old, In with the New: Wine Trends of 2009

By Courtney Cochran

As with every new year, 2009 will bring the birth of new wine trends and the departures of others. Some we'll be sad to see go (so long, cellaring for sport!), while others we'll barely miss (we're talking about you, overly alcoholic wines). No matter what, we predict you'll find lots of things to relish about the wine scene in '09, and along with them excuses for uncorking many a new bottle.

OUT: Heavy, Oversized Bottles

Heavy wine bottles will continue to come under fire from climate change-conscious critics in 2009, with good reason. Developments in '08 such as popular British wine critic Jancis Robinson's "name and shame" campaign - which prompted visitors to her subscription-basis website to list wines made by wineries using heavier-than-usual glass bottles, so others could avoid purchasing them - have already led to several large wineries' decisions to begin "lightweighting" their bottles going forward. It can't happen soon enough.

IN: Inexpensive, Aromatic Whites

The economic crunch of '08 has seen demand for wines of all kinds shift to the under-$10 category, which means more of us than ever before are looking for stellar quality at a value price. Aromatic whites from the likes of Argentina - let's give it up for Torrontes! - and Portugal - we're talking about you, Vino Verde - are leading the pack for value at this price point, and - happily - American wine merchants are carrying these beauties in greater numbers than ever before.

OUT: Overly Alcoholic Wines

"Table wines" tipping the scale at 16% alcohol are fast getting on the nerves of savvy sippers who look for balance - not a blasting headache - in their glass. The new year should see winemakers taking note of the growing distaste for highly alcoholic wines and tailoring their offerings accordingly. The trend may also usher in a shift in consumer preferences towards wines made in cooler climates, which boast lower alcohol levels and more mouthwatering acidity.

IN: Sustainable/Organic Winemaking

In an era in which concern over global warming has reached a crescendo, sustainable and organic winegrowing practices are more important - and more appreciated - than ever before. We take off our hats to winegrowers who have committed to farming practices that help ensure the vitality of vineyards for future generations, and who refuse to put chemicals into our good earth. Their efforts will pay dividends for years to come, and are already showing up in the bottle.

OUT: Cellaring for Sport

With the Dow inching steadily south and showing few signs of rebound, '09 won't be the best time to buy and stash away zillion dollar bottles just for the sport of it. In fact, collectors the country over report a decided downsizing of such extravagant purchases, along with a corresponding shift towards uncorking more sober purchases, particularly when company is present. Still, should you feel the urge to splurge or spot a spectacular deal, by all means go for it - just don't flaunt it.

IN: Cutting Carbon Emissions

The new year should also see the continued uptick in wineries and wine-related businesses cutting carbon emissions for the sake of the environment. And whether they reduce their carbon footprints directly (think solar energy, more lightweight packaging and shipping materials) or indirectly (by offsetting emissions through reforestation or other means), these pioneers are to be saluted for catalyzing change by example and setting an admirable standard for our industry.

OUT: Critter Labels

If we had a dollar for every critter label we've seen...Let's just say that when it comes to wine labels bearing the likes of dogs, birds, fish or any other sort of creature, the jig is up (or at least it should be). These labels made headlines - and generated serious cash flow - as Americans shifted from drinking beer and spirits to uncorking more wine bottles in recent years. But as our experience with wine grew, so did our savvy, and these labels' pandering no longer rings true.

IN: Buying Local/Regional

Paging all locovores! The time has arrived - without a doubt - when buying products produced locally makes sense for many good reasons. Besides the obvious boost that doing so gives a region's economy, buying local also means fewer carbon emissions are spent transporting products over long distances. If you're not lucky enough to live in a region that produces great wine, consider those from regions relatively close to you - every emission avoided counts.

OUT: Overly "Manufactured" Reds

Sadly, wine's recent upsurge in popularity has led to the introduction of oceans of overly "manufactured," homogenous-tasting red table wines whose greatest virtue is often...a critter label. These wines, usually made from sub-par fruit that's tinkered with to excess in the winery (think oak chipping, tannin additions and other shortcuts to quality wine), offer consumers little real substance and even less reason to buy again. Here's to real wine coming back in '09.

IN: Wine Country Travel

At a time when international travel may seem like a splurge you'd rather not make, we encourage you to recall the many reasons why wine country travel is always a good idea. With its emphasis on relaxation and its cozy, welcoming ambiance, wine country is the perfect antidote to the recession blues. What's more, with travel of all kinds at an all-time low, deals and specials in wine country abound, making a weekend jaunt to your favorite Pinot producer a nearly effortless excursion. Just the kind of event we look forward to in '09.