The End of the Country-Specific Wine List
Posted on Sat 21st Sep 2013 at 13:59
A recent article in Harpers magazine highlights a modern phenomenon: modern wine lists are no longer the fat tomes, organised by country, that they used to be.
In its place comes a more user-friendly style, as Andrew Bewes, managing director of Hallgarten Druitt, explains: “I think that most operations now are looking at styles and complementary styles. Excluding the very top end and elite part of the market, most people have reduced the size of their wine lists. Rather than to fill a country slot, the list is structured around styles and looking at what might fit in.” This is good news for consumers in many different ways. Not only does organisation by style mean that they can explore similar wines to their favourites in comfort, but it also gives retailers the chance to exhibit wines from lesser known countries that might have otherwise been overlooked. Wines from regions such as Eastern Europe are becoming more and more recognised for their exceptional quality and value, yet customers’ unfamiliarity can be a barrier to sales. What better way to overcome this than with a list that segments wines into styles and flavours, that allows customers to branch out from their usual, well-known choices and opt for something new and exciting? Another great wine list idea, particularly for gastro-pubs, is to explicitly state which dishes a wine may go best with, allowing you to showcase the highlights of your menu while you introduce clients to great new wines? For a tasting session and guidance on pairing food with Stobi’s delicious Macedonian wines, please get in touch.