From Vine to Vanguard. How is Wine Evolving in 2024 and Beyond?

I often get asked: "Maria, what's your favorite wine?" It's not a question that surprises or troubles me, but I’ve come to realize that my answers often seem mundane. I try to make wine less intimidating by sticking to well-known "quality" standards or prestigious Châteaux. Mentioning something unknown or new can make my interlocutor uncomfortable.

There have been times when, recalling with enthusiasm the enchanting bubbles of Txakoli from the authentic Hondarrabi Zuri grape paired with gastronomic Pintxos from the delightful San Sebastián in the independent Basque Country (Spain), my dear interlocutors, even if they ride the wave of pleasure with me, note down the name and later search for it online. They either find nothing, something that clearly doesn't excite their taste buds, or information in Hungarian... (in the case of Txakoli, in Basque).

Showcasing The Elegance of Franciacorta Bellavista at a Contemporary Wine Bar, Embodying The Blend of Tradition and Innovation in The Evolving World of Wine.

Embracing the Diversity of Wine

I might get flak from educational platforms and lazy sommelier colleagues, but let's wake up and tell our friends and guests the truth: the world of wine isn't limited to 10 noble grape varieties and 5 wine-producing countries. The situation has changed—what was once alternative is now mainstream. We all know how this happened.

Redefining Wine Education

Basic knowledge and education in wine are still important, but let's be realistic: it's 2024. Would you hire a top manager fresh out of Harvard with only textbook knowledge? Why do schoolchildren quote Seneca and discuss the importance of emotional intelligence? Why does Singapore’s Art and Science Museum provide descriptions of new technologies in simple language for both adults and children?

The Rise of New Wave Wines

I’m doubly lucky: I have friends and colleagues who don’t just rush ahead with a bag of precious knowledge and trained taste buds who distinguish Sicilian Carricante, Provencal Tibouren, Catalan Xarel-lo Vermell, Austrian Blaufränkisch, Hungarian Hárslevelű, and Georgian Saperavi. They visit trendy wine bars and niche restaurants that exclude Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, or Sangiovese in favor of subtle wines made from Chenin Blanc, Tocai Friulano, Ciliegiolo, or Portuguese varieties Encruzado and Baga. In one of these gem-like new-wave restaurants, the wine list could be presented in categories: New Spain (Trepat, Mencia), Mountain Wines (Altesse, Poulsard), Mineral (Chenin Blanc, Verdicchio), and Gamay Gamut.

Ignorance and Innovation in Wine

Ignorance or indifference to something doesn’t negate its existence or significance. To stay relevant in today’s evolving winemaking industry, we must rethink our approach to wine education. It's not about rejecting timeless classics like Cabernet Sauvignon but acknowledging that as innovative alternatives become mainstream, traditional favorites risk falling into a sort of coma.

Franciacorta Bellavista As a Symbol of Evolution

A perfect example of this evolution is Franciacorta Bellavista, an Italian sparkling wine that epitomizes the blend of tradition and innovation. Bellavista has gained a reputation for its meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to quality, often compared to Champagne but with its own unique Italian flair. The winery's dedication to sustainable practices and biodynamic farming techniques showcases the direction in which modern winemaking is heading. Bellavista's wines, such as their Satèn and Brut, are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to pair beautifully with a wide range of cuisines, making them a favorite among new wave wine enthusiasts.

Adapting Classic Wines to Modern Trends

How can wine education programs encompass new trends while respecting traditional knowledge? How can we teach the richness of Carricante or Tocai Friulano without diminishing Cabernet Sauvignon? How can we help wine lovers appreciate varieties like Chenin Blanc from Saumur or Mencia from Ribeira Sacra while remembering noble varieties?

The Future of Classic Wines

How can classic wines adapt to thrive in the contemporary market? We might need new presentation and marketing strategies to highlight classic wines’ unique properties. Perhaps classic wines can find new pairings with modern cuisine, opening new horizons for gastronomic experiments.

The Evolving Wine Market

If current trends continue, the long-term consequences for the wine industry could be profound. The wine market isn’t static, and those who don’t adapt may be left behind. We might see new winemaking regions and varieties taking the lead, while some of today’s favorites might become less popular.

Embracing Change in Winemaking

The stakes are high. Ignoring these changes risks losing touch with reality and missing opportunities to adapt to new trends in the winemaking world. Embracing this dynamic evolution is not just about survival; it's about thriving and leading in the future of wine.