Berkmann reveals wine industry trends for 2020 at annual tasting

The changing face, habits and expectations of wine consumers was the main topic of discussion at a key industry event in London.

Bringing together industry and trade press, Berkmann Wine Cellars' annual portfolio tasting on 4 February heard wine experts debating the trends which could shape the wine landscape in 2020.

With a new generation of wine consumers emerging, the event heard that producers are having to come to terms with new purchasing habits and attitudes towards consumption and sustainability.

The latter subject was hotly debated in the contexts of environment, society and culture, from thinking about what is sprayed on the vines to energy usage, packaging and relationships with local communities and employees.

The panel included:

Andrew Catchpole, editor at Harpers Wine and Spirit, who presented a wine from Unico Zelo - the Australian producer is nurturing varieties better suited to warm, dry climates, requiring no irrigation in a country where water is scarce.

Antoine Pétrus, managing director of Les Maisons de Taillevent, who chose a 100-per-cent pinot noir champagne from Drappier - the first certified carbon-neutral champagne house - which is made without added sulphur.

Emma Dawson, senior wine buyer at Berkmann Wine Cellars, who presented Tblivino Qvevris Rkatsiteli, an orange wine from Georgia which exemplifies an increasingly popular variety that appeals to more adventurous consumers.

Food and drink writer Bill Knott, who chose a wine from T-OINOS in the Cyclades, which is not only an environmentally sustainable vineyard but also provides much-needed employment to the island community on Tinos.

7 February 2020 - Bethany Whymark