Berkmann Wine purchasing director Alex Hunt told The Morning Advertiser orange wine was growing in popularity and could be a trend to watch within the wine category in 2020.
He said: “There’s a trend we’re seeing – admittedly from a very low base – towards orange wine.”
Orange wine is made from white wine grapes but the grape skins are not removed as they usually would be.
Hunt explained: “This style of wine is one of the fastest-growing categories that we're seeing at the moment in restaurants.”
The wholesaler has experienced increased popularity in wine from eastern Mediterranean regions, making additions of Turkish, Greek and Georgian products to its portfolio.
He said: “Consumers seem to be looking for something that is a little off the beaten track. Something with a real tradition and story behind it.
“These wines are often from fairly extreme vineyard locations and definitely seem to have captured the imagination of consumers like never before.”
Cradle of viticulture
Hunt continued: “Of course, the traditions are longer in this region of the world than anywhere. This is the cradle of viticulture. It all started in this area.
“What's really nice to see is a continued favouring of lighter body, elegant, freshness in red wines.
“The days of the blockbuster thickly tanic red are behind us and we're seeing much more drinkability, complexity, nuance being valued in red wines.
“This is a good thing because they tend to be more food-friendly, easier to enjoy and so on.”
Premium rosé and alternative sparkling wines to Prosecco are also categories Hunt predicts will see growth, however he says any major developments “are going to be fairly gradual”.
