In the markets Rosé wines and aged white wines are going to be one of the strong trends. In the most consolidated markets, classic Reserva wines will fulfill a double function: as a refuge for the traditional segments and as a vintage discovery for the most modern consumers.
We are going to see an increasing attention towards the senior market: those over 50 or 55 years old form a consumer group with a high purchasing power and a high consideration towards wine. We have to take care of them!
In mature countries "the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, even the United States", regions such as DOCa Rioja are a well-known, stable value and, most importantly, their wines that represent balance: between classic and modern styles; between warmth and acidity; between elegance and freshness. In other words, these world class areas have everything to keep on successing.
In the vineyard
Given the special circumstances caused by the weather in 2017 "basically, the great freeze of the end of April and the persistent drought", an even more dedicated winegrowing is obliged. This 2018 vintage we shall increase the accuracy in every vineyard work. Winter pruning, one of the most important tasks, is carried out these days with a care and meticulousness did not seen for years. The objective is to recover the vines' health and desired yield as soon as possible.
In the winery
The part of winemaking also becomes more demanding. The demand for rigor is a constant and controls and tests to ensure perfect practices are going to be increasingly present.
Wine tourism will continue to progress and will be developed with a deepening into its more experiential proposal. The classical visit will give way to a complete experience that will emphasize aspects such as historical uniqueness, landscape discovery and wine training. We no longer talk as much about tourism as about hospitality, a more integral concept.
In consumers
If a good selection of wine is offered at a bar, people will ask for wine. Wine becomes a central product, at the core of a growing number of on-trade places. And it's not just a drink for aperitif time or for evening gatherings. Wine is for any time, occasion and environment. Including the most clearly night bars.
First robots
Is space exploration inspiring the future of viticulture? It seems so, if you look at the prototypes of vineyard robots, which seem designed directly to track the surface of Mars. Currently in the R + D phase, they will be able to transmit to the vinegrower via app any information on the state of the grapes through intelligent vineyard cartographies. Among other developments, the Vine Robot stands out. It is funded by the European Union and coordinated by the University of La Rioja. Its objective is to achieve a competitive 3.0 wine production and, why not!, to attract the arrival of young agricultural professionals.
VineRobot prototype
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