When I think of the word fashion, it conjures images of designers, catwalks and svelte models.
Every season has a new look, with the ''trench'' this winter's fashion necessity.
Fashions in wine are rarely so clearly defined, nor change so often, but are still subject to inexorable change.
Fifty years ago, New Zealand produced ports, sherries and other fortified wines with nary a dry white or red.
The shift to table wines consigned these fortifieds to history and the fruity white muller thurgau rose to prominence.
It was supplanted by chardonnay until over-zealous winemaking led to many of them tasting like an oak plank which created the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) movement.
Pinot gris rose to take its place while alongside it the sauvignon blanc juggernaut became a savalanche and pinot noir became our pre-eminent red.
For grape growers, trying to predict the next trend is an imprecise science with long lead times.
Grapes take three years to bear fruit and winemaking input can vary from six months to two years: five years before you have wine to sell can throw all your predictions out the window, while the economy and market may also change.
Today: Rose has really hit its straps, gaining widespread appeal (aided by a sunny and warm summer).
Heightened awareness of drink-driving and health concerns are leading some to seek out lower alcohol levels in wines.
Another trend is the natural wine movement, with organic principles in the vineyard and winemakers eschewing intervention in the winery with the aim of more truly expressing grape and place.
Other inquisitive grape growers are planting varieties new to New Zealand.
Albarinho and arneis, gruner veltliner and tempranillo are new to many but offer extra choices and diverse flavours for many a jaded palate.
Here are three wines that are taking a new path.
Price: $16.99
Rating: Very good
(Sauvignon blanc with a splash of pinot noir gives a rose appearance.)
Powerful aromas in the tropical fruit spectrum. Passionfruit and pineapple with strawberry coming through.
Sweetly fruited but crisp, with a long, dry, fruity finish.
Nice texture and interest.
A combo that really works rather well.
Price: $15.99 (less on special)
Rating: Good
Lightly floral, with pear and apricot notes.
Apricot and Fruit Jubes on the palate, with a noticeable spritz.
Light and simple with a burst of sweetness given focus by a fresh, red delicious appley finish.
A straightforward crowd-pleaser.
Price: $26-$27
Rating: Very good
Dark fruits here: blackberry and cherry with a chocolatey note and sweet vanillan oak.
Ripe and sweetly fruited palate with a good, tannic grip. Dark fruits again on the palate with a cocoa/mocha aspect and a leathery nuance.
Youthful and a touch edgy: time and food should round this out nicely.
