From Trends to a Wine Identity
But who sets these trends? Why to we choose one wine over another?
This is difficult to pinpoint. What is clear, however, is that in one way or another, we all follow trends, be it in wine, clothes, perfume, cars – or food and how it relates to wine.
Nowadays, the trend is to look for elegance in wines: appealing colors, fruit aromas that delight the nose, and a delicate, balanced evolution across the palate. The preference is for fruitier wines that express just the right aging notes imparted by lightly toasted barrels.
Previously popular wines might no longer be as popular as before... But what changed exactly?
Lets begin with the assumption that a wine should convey a landscape, an area, the work done in the vineyard, a style of winemaking, and that this is something we like. We know that the grape variety makes the difference and should be representative of the area.
More than ever, the consumer is aware of the importance of the variety, the soil and the climate. The terroir.
As a result, the ways of making the wine also change. Enologists use very specific techniques based on the kinds of wine they wish to make. As a result, we can now choose from a wide variety of wines, aimed at fulfilling the desires and interests of this new type of wine lover.
Interest in wine culture is clearly on the rise. Consumers are curious and open to new knowledge: they visit wineries, attend tastings, take courses; in other words, they embrace what the growing wine tourism sector has to offer, a sector that strengthens wine culture and brings us great enjoyment.
This is where we, as sommeliers, have to do our job: understand our customers and respond to their preferences so we can advise them at every turn and provide them with the tools to identify, define and express their tastes.
We have to act as guides as they embark on this journey of discovery, because no two wines are ever the same. Every occasion reveals a new, unique and very special wine, depending on the company, season, even our mood. As sommeliers, we must show them the way to leave trends behind and discover their own "wine identity."
And most important of all: we must make them feel comfortable enjoying a pleasure as magnificent as drinking a truly good wine.
Montse Velasco by Montse Velasco
“I was brought up in a restaurant. My parents have always been restaurateurs and as a very young girl I was in and out of the tables talking to customers and helping out, something I’ve always enjoyed.”
You will know her for...:
Being awarded as “Nariz de oro” 2011 (Award for top sommeliers)
You will find her at:
La Cuina del Guinardó (Barcelona) as a sommelier
Tasting Notes
We want to know more, so we submit Montse to our particular questionnaire:
- "Tweet" the answer: what’s a great wine?
The One you would choose at a particular time...
- Some believe that the wine world is a close circle only suitable for experts. Your reason to convince them otherwise?
You learn how to taste by tasting… over and over again.
- Banish a myth about wine
White wine for fish, red wine for meat… boring!
- Why would you wait 20 years to open a bottle?
I wouldn’t wait…
- Choose a personality and a wine - (Torres) - with whom you share a glass and a conversation?
Clint Eastwood & Fransola
- What is fashionable in the world of wine and what will always be?
Wine & Food matching
- Finally, complete the following statement: No justice has been done with________
With rosé wines!