The Craigavad 2020 Review

| Bridge |

| Notes from the Cellar |

Bridge

Top 5 Wine Trends F rom rosé prosecco to wine in a can, a number of wine trends emerged in 2020 that are here to stay. Here are the top five...

by Tracey Preshaw

U nfortunately the pandemic in 2020 meant that the Bridge Section, an important aspect of Club life, were unable to meet on Monday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. The annual Bridge Dinner however did take place in February and all who attended very much enjoyed the evening. It is hoped that the tradition of bridge at the Club will resume at some point in 2021 and we look forward to welcoming Members old and new when it does.

1 ROS É PROSECCO The versatility and lightness of rosé - providing the freshness of a white wine but the body and fruit of red wine - ensures that it continues to grow in popularity. For those that love rosé and love prosecco, the ultimate fusion has been released. Until recently prosecco can only be called prosecco if it’s made from the juice of the Glera grape, and it can only be white. Whilst there has been 'rosé prosecco' on supermarket shelves for some time it has, until now, been labelled sparkling rosé or rosato brut. However, following a lengthy approval process by the powers that be in Italy, since May 2020 a blend of up to 15% Pinot Noir grapes combined with Glera grapes can make up this new pink fizz allowing it to keep the Prosecco DOC name. 2 NATURAL & VEGAN FRIENDLYWINES The natural wine trend is on the rise, with even budget supermarkets in on the action. Natural wine is the oldest form of wine - it’s wine as it was originally meant to be, some would say - minimal intervention, no additives, no fining and no filtering. Increasingly, consumers are seeking out wines that are sustainably- farmed, made with organic grapes, low in sugar and low in sulphites. Consumers want transparency when it comes to ingredients and vegan- friendly wines continue to grow in popularity as eating habits change and people seek out products that fit in with their lifestyles. Climate change is also a factor as wine producers seek ways to reduce their carbon footprints and produce 'clean' wine.

2019 Lady Captain, Liz Andress and Mary Shaw

5 WINE IN CANS

3 AFFORDABLE LUXURY In a year, where those that can afford to haven't had a chance to treat themselves to international holidays or luxury purchases, a quick and convenient way to consume luxury is by spending on premium wines. Now, more than ever, wine has become an affordable luxury with people unable to go to out to restaurants choosing to spend more on premium wines to consume at home. 4 BUYING ONLINE Having learnt to spend more time at home in 2020, a day peppered with the arrival of several deliveries has come to seem normal. Our new relaxed way of existing however has not diminished our desire to have what we want immediately. With retail outlets either closed or restrictions meaning we were told to stay at home, many wine merchants launched online ordering and home delivery services. Consumers are now in the habit of shopping in this way and are appreciative of the hassle-free, fast and efficient service of wine being delivered to their door at the click of a button.

2019 Captain, Gavin Clarke and his wife Susan with Jack Strong

While the glass bottle’s primacy in the wine world is not under threat - for the moment - alternative packaging formats are flourishing. There is a growing worldwide concern about the amount of carbon emitted to produce a glass bottle and ship it to market. 2020 was a good year for the bag- in-box format, as bulk purchase lent itself particularly well to lockdown pantry filling and at-home drinking. Paradoxically, it was also a good year for wine in cans where in a stop-start year, social plans could materialise and evaporate at a moment’s notice. Wine in a can offers portability, portion control and preservation and, for the young consumer who is not as experienced in the wine world, it offers a more accessible and price-sensitive way to sample wine.

Rosemary McClure, Beryl Miller, Pat Hill, Rae Jemphrey, Patricia Fair and Rosemary Harvey

Neal Shaw, Des Walmsley and Jim Tinsley

Catherine McKay, Wendy Johnston, Janet Walmsley, Maureen Martin and Salie Tinsley

Left: Hilary Menary, Kathleen Lawson and Noel Moore

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