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Predicting the spirits of 2011 – Metro US

Predicting the spirits of 2011

Can you believe how quickly 2010 disappeared? Why it just seems like yesterday that Mel Gibson and Mother Nature where battling it out to see who could act crazier by year’s end.

Now that we’re officially into 2011 I’ve dusted off my crystal ball and am prepared to make the following liquid predictions for the coming twelve months.

Look for Australia to make a comeback this year. With a major focus on regionality – and more celebrity winemakers than kangaroos – Down Under is preparing to wow your palates. I also see food-friendly German white wines and non-fortified Portuguese reds working their way into your glasses.

From the vine, Malbec will keep rocking the red wine world with Sauvignon Blanc doing the same for the whites. Also look for red blends (especially those with a touch of residual sugar) to be the talk of liquor store shelves.

On the boozier side of things, while I see both Irish and American whiskey capturing more market share across the country, my money’s on vodka – particularly brands like Russian Standard (750 ml, $23.95 – $24.99) that haven’t had every inch of personality filtered out of them – to reign supreme.

Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces.

Peter Rockwell is the everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25 years and travelling the globe looking for something to fill his glass and put into words.