Toasting some possible drinks trends for 2023

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/12/2022 (726 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Based on trends (both locally and otherwise), you don’t need to be a psychic or fortune teller to predict what some of the drinks trends will be in Manitoba in 2023 — for better or worse.

Here are a few things I’ll be keeping an eye on in the new year…

The low/no-alcohol movement

Younger drinkers today are regularly choosing to drink less, or opting for low/no-alcohol beer, wine and cocktails (or mocktails, as it were). And while the selection of low/no-alcohol wines on retail shelves (including grocery stores) is slowly getting better, whether you’re doing a dry January or simply cutting back on booze the options are indeed getting more plentiful. The Sobr Market, for example, is a locally owned online operation which offers an ever-increasing selection of low/no-alcohol wines, beers and spirit-type beverages. They’ve got an impressive range of products available on their website (thesobrmarket.com) and occasionally pop up at farmers markets and the like.

For those out with friends and choosing not to drink, many of Winnipeg’s lounges are now offering an increased number of thoughtful options beyond pop, coffee and your typical virgin margarita, with many now boasting a dedicated list of low/no-alcohol cocktails.

A changing retail landscape

The Manitoba government has once again introduced a bill to modify liquor sales in the province, albeit one with fewer massive changes than previous incarnations (which would have, among other changes, seen alcohol become available for purchase at grocery stores and the like).

The recently tabled Bill 9 would allow private wine stores and beer vendors to obtain a licence that would allow them to sell other types of alcohol than what they’re currently permitted to sell (private wine stores could sell spirits, for example, or beer vendors could sell wine). The bill would also allow local manufacturers (breweries, distilleries) to obtain a licence to sell products other than what they make on-site.

Whether the bill gets through the legislature, particularly in what is sure to be a testy election year, is a far murkier situation to predict.

More visual pizzazz

Catchy names, flashy labels, celebrity tie-ins (I see you, Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart) — expect even more products with eye-catching labels and names to find their way on to the shelves at Liquor Marts, private wine stores and beer vendors.

A Dec. 23 story by industry website The Drinks Business reviewed a recent survey by wine app Vivino, who polled 1,800 users and found 85 per cent of respondents said they had bought a bottle of wine based on the appearance of the label. (Full disclosure: I count myself among the vast majority who has been enticed by an eye-catching label.)

More new locals

December saw two new breweries open their doors, with Brandon landing their second brewery (Section 6) and Devil May Care Brewing Co. opening their Fort Street tap room just before Christmas.

Expect the steady trickle of new bricks-and-mortar breweries to continue. Good Neighbour Brewing Co., for example, will have their own brewing facility up and running soon at 110 Sherbrook St. (adjacent to One Sixteen, which currently serves as their tap room as well as an eatery). Once it’s done they’ll shift at least some of their production away from Oxus Brewing, where they currently make their beer.

Beyond the city limits, Interlake Brewing Co. should open its doors in the first half of 2023, while Dauphin’s Obsolete Brewing Co. appears to be nearly ready to brew as well.

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After moving their event to fall for 2022, organizers of the Winnipeg Whisky Festival have brought the fest back to its earlier spot on the calendar for 2023. If you’re considering attending the tasting, which takes place March 3 and 4 at the Fairmont Winnipeg, early-bird pricing ends today (Dec. 31) for the first day, and tomorrow (Jan. 1) for the second day.

The list of products being poured has been posted online, and in addition to all manner of whiskies from the usual suspects, there will also be whiskies poured from Taiwan, Sweden, Wales, Mexico, India, France and Australia as well as a range of tequilas, brandies, gins, cognacs, flavoured spirits and more. See winnipegwhiskyfestival.com for details and to get tickets.

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Wines of the week

Torres 2020 Sangre de Toro white (Rueda, Spain – $16.49, Liquor Marts and beyond)

Made from the Verdejo grape, this Spanish white is pale straw in colour and brings attractive pear, fleshy apple, melon and chalky aromas, with secondary lemon peel notes. It’s dry, light-bodied and zippy, with fresh pear, lemon and apple flavours working well with a chalky note, medium acidity that provides length and a crisp, crunchy finish. Great for salads, light cheeses or milder fish dishes. 3.5/5

Nederburg 2019 The Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape, South Africa – $16.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

There’s a splash of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended into this Cabernet Sauvignon, which brings cassis, leather, blackberry and white pepper aromas. On the medium-plus bodied palate there’s a hint of spice that comes with the leather, cassis, black cherry and blackberry flavours, some modest tannin and acidity and a balanced finish that’s never too hot (it’s 13.5 per cent alcohol). A prime burger or steak wine for those who aren’t looking to break the bank. 3.5/5

Giuliana Vicini 2020 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Abruzzo, Italy – around $19, The Winehouse)

The lacquer, blackberry plum, violet and mocha notes on the nose of this Montepulicano d’Abruzzo are certainly lovely. It’s a full-bodied, juicy red, with up-front dark berry and black cherry flavours delivered with subtle herbal and black tea notes, modest tannin, a splash of acidity and a modest finish (it’s 13.5 per cent alcohol). Delicious, particularly for the price. 4/5

Grant Burge 2019 Barossa Ink Shiraz (Barossa, Australia – $19.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

Inky purple in colour, this Barossa Shiraz brings a dollop of ripe cherry, blackberry, iron, red licorice and white pepper on the nose. It’s full-bodied and ripe, with jammy cherry, blackberry and red berry flavours complemented by a meaty component, a dark chocolate note and a peppery bite that works well with the light tannins and slightly zippy 14 per cent alcohol. A well-priced example of well-made Aussie Shiraz. 4/5

uncorked@mts.net

Twitter: @bensigurdson