1/17/2022 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

We’re a couple weeks into 2022 by now, so it may be of some interest to check in on some of wine trends that various prognosticators within the industry are proclaiming we will see become more evident as the year wears on. There are lots of industry talking heads making lots of predictions, but here are some that caught my eye recently:

1. Supply chain issues

Probably not a surprise to most people these days.In addition to all the typical COVID-related problems afflicting so many parts of the economy, the wine market has been particularly affected by the generally horrific weather experienced in many parts of Europe all through last year’s growing season, as well as wildfire destruction in some parts of the west coast growing areas.The predicted upshot:lower availability of many wines, and average retail prices creeping higher and higher.

2. Growth in the market for “Natural” and “Sustainable” Wines

There is a broad consensus that this will be more and more on the minds of wine consumers. There’s a lack of any hard and fast definition for naturalness or sustainability when it comes to wine, but that’s not going to stop producers from claiming and promoting their own merits in this regard.

3. Alternative packaging

An interesting byproduct of the supply chain problems referenced above. According to one expert, “wineries will be accelerating their switch to lighter glass bottles or new wine containers altogether. Expect to see wine come in more shapes and sizes, with many winemakers looking to cardboard cartons, tin cans and even refillable containers such as plastic jugs.”

4. Lighter styles of wines

Compared to a generation or so ago, most wines (especially from the New World, i.e. North and South America and Australia) have tended to become much higher in alcohol content and lot more packed with fruit than they used to be. Some forecasters are predicting that this trend will begin going the other way, as consumers look to reduce their alcohol intake levels. According to one, “The days of highly extracted, oaky, higher alcohol wines is not necessarily gone, but there are many consumers looking for something different.”

Those are far from the only predictions about wine going forward – you’ll find plenty more if you spend some time browsing the internet. I personally think the first one will have the most effect on my life. But anyway, it’s a little food for thought when you settle back to enjoy a nice glass of wine this week – hopefully at the Wine Cellar!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

St. Huberts 2019 The Stag Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) $16.99

The Stag Chardonnay opens with lush tropical aromas of fresh peach blossoms, coconut andmarzipan. The palate is bright with a bounty of juicy flavors of passion fruit, pineapple, lemon curd and lime zest, with hints of spicy oak and cardamom that lead to a creamy finish.

Au Contraire 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) $19.99

Au Contraire is a blend of fruit sourced from premier Russian River Valley growing sites. The nose offers aromas of cherry, raspberry and plum with a touch of violets amid subtle spice hints. A silky mouthfeel and balanced acidity frame an abundance of ripe dark fruit.

Damilano 2018 Barbera d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) $21.99

This opens with brightly perfumed aromas of ripe strawberries and dried flowers. On the palate it’s delicate and balanced, with a layered profile of spice, leather, licorice and black fruit flavors, silky tannins and a chocolate, coffee and raspberry aftertaste.

Clos de los Siete 2017 Red Blend (Valle de Uco, Argentina) $18.99

This is a deep red in the glass, shot through with the purple glints characteristic of Malbec. On the nose, an intense and complex aromatic expression exudes subtle notes of blueberries, lavender and spice. In the mouth, tannins are assertive yet ripe, framing a fruit-filled palate that’s juicy, caressing and refined.

Beronia 2017 Rioja Reserva (Rioja, Spain) $22.99

This Rioja Reserva is a blend of premium Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes sourced from older vineyards. It was aged 20 months in oak plus 18 more in bottle before release. An aromatic nose offers hints of vanilla, clove and cinnamon. The velvety palate delivers berry and plum fruit, with accents of spice.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Gust 2017 Pinot Noir (Petaluma Gap) $28.99

Sonoma’s Petaluma Gap AVA close by the Pacific features windswept hills and cold ocean breezes. The Gust Pinot Noir offers a seductively smooth texture with vividly assertive black cherry, berry and plum fruit, bright but not overbearing acidity, and an elegant finish that lingers beautifully.

Mionetto Prosecco (Treviso, Italy) $15.99

Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto has been among the top producers of quality Italian Proseccos for over 125 years. This is one of their finest cuvées, offering a creamy, persistent perlage and subtle white pear and crisp green apple flavors – classic Prosecco.

Broadside 2019 Merlot (Paso Robles) $15.99

A quintessential Paso Robles Merlot, this starts off with flavors of fresh blackberries, elderberries and dark plums that lead into black cherry on the mid-palate. Balanced with the rich fruit are soft, supple tannins, backed with complex notes of vanilla and clove, finishing with a touch of chocolate.

Cheers!

Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona 85364
928-373-0405