A New Year for wine: Trends that will shape 2018

Five wine predictions for the New Year:

CAB FRANC WILL GROW
“Cabernet Franc is taking root in California,” according to Uncorkd.biz. “California wine makers have put their own spin on Cab Franc, with wines that boast flavors of big, ripe fruit. Cab Franc is primed to grow in popularity as wine drinkers honor California and the wine regions that were devastated by wild fires.”

In the foothills, Sierra Starr’s Cab Franc is exceptional—and award-winning.

FIZZ WILL SPARKLE
“The bubble has yet to burst on the sparkling wine trend, a phenomenon experienced almost all over the world,” according to WineIntelligence.com. “We expect to see sparkling wine continue along its trajectory towards becoming an everyday delight.”

In our region, Avanguardia, Nevada City Winery and others have added sparklers to their lineups. Avanguardia’s is called L’edonista.

ORGANIC WINES WILL MATTER MORE
“Bolstered by the success of ‘organic’ for food labeling, organic wines are becoming more visible and desirable to wine drinkers,” according to WineIntelligence.com.

In our region, Smith Vineyard is a pioneer in organic winemaking. “Organic farming at Smith Vineyard has become a way of life,” the winery observes. “We truly believe great wines come from organic vines and organic farming.”

Smith Vineyard won “gold” in the 2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (see WineJudging.com).

WINE IN A CAN
“Wine in a can becomes widely accepted, and not a novelty,” according to PunchDrink.com. “It’s too good an idea not to.”

Vino Noceto in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley offers its Frivolo wine in a can. “Pale in color and just a touch spritzy, Frivolo is a veritable spring bouquet for its floral aroma and sunny fruit,” writes wine expert Mike Dunne in the Sacramento Bee.

WINE & MOVIES
Restaurants and similar businesses are taking over neighboring spaces to add wine bars with limited menus.

In Grass Valley, Sierra Cinemas has opened CineCafé next door to its movie theaters, adding beer, wine and food to the offerings for moviegoers. Beer and wine can be enjoyed in the cafe or taken into the movie.

(Photo: David Wong)

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