Top 10 wine trends to watch in 2022
Predictions by fine wine merchant James Pietersen, CEO of WineCellar.co.za
1. Rosé my way
Rosé continues its rise! This year, look out for rosé wines made in Provençal style – with a light, summery bouquet and dry, refreshing palate. Just perfect for summer sipping by the pool.
2. Popular varietals
There’s an increasing number of great old-vine Palomino and Colombard wines on the market, following in the footsteps of the old-vine Chenin blancs which have seen great success. Palomino is a white wine grape from Andalucia, southwestern Spain, while Colombard is a French white wine grape variety from Charentes, the home of Cognac.
3. Proudly South African
South Africa’s fine wine image is still on the up what with international commentators continuously commending the great value of our wines on offer.
4. Swirling & sipping, in
Due to the COVID-19 era, home consumption of wine has experienced an increase in quality. This year, I expect the movement towards ‘drinking the very best at home’ to be further established.
5. Food x wine
Gourmet experiences at home have certainly taken centre stage. Forced to stay in during the pandemic, many more wine drinkers have taken to cooking and experimenting with pairings at home, and this trend is set to continue.
6. In-person wine experiences
For those who are allowed to mingle again, wine events will be crucial this year. We have already seen a great increase in demand for in-person, shared wine experiences in South Africa.
7. Local is lekker
With growing focus on supporting the local industry, consumers will look to purchase local fine wines. Try the monthly Wine Cellar Insiders case for a curation of the finest local and international wines. Or browse a selection of our favourite local wines on WineCellar.co.za
8. Champagne in high demand
The growth in champagne sales was stellar in 2021, as demand outstripped supply and many top cuvées were continuously sold out. It’s likely that we will see more of that this year.
9. Sustainable wine production
We anticipate that this will continue to demand attention as fine wine consumers are now increasingly demanding social, environmental and economic focus from wine producers.
10. Wine x investment
The growing interest in investment-grade South African wines and avid interest in wine auctions such as Strauss & Co wine auctions will continue to create scarcity of our country’s very finest wines.
About James Pietersen, CEO of WineCellar.co.za
James, CEO of WineCellar.co.za, was enticed into the world of wine while studying law at the University of Stellenbosch. An encounter with some Château Lynch-Bages 1982 led to an epiphany and a life-long journey in wine ensued. His 25 years of experience in the SA wine industry includes retail, wine buying and working as Head Sommelier for a leading restaurant group. As a professional wine taster, he also has experience with Platter’s Wine Guide (since 2007), Winemag.co.za, Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, and as Panel Chair for the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Challenge. Few pundits taste more wines than him.
