KIRO NEWSRADIO: SEATTLE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Wine drinkers trend toward lighter fare in 2013

Jan 7, 2013, 10:28 AM | Updated: Oct 11, 2024, 10:16 am

Mike Tier joined him on a live edition of Seattle Kitchen to share what he’s noticed people e...

Mike Tier joined him on a live edition of Seattle Kitchen to share what he's noticed people eying on the shelves. (AP Photo/File)

(AP Photo/File)

With the year just starting up, chef Tom Douglas wanted to know which wine is pairing best with hot new trends.

Mike Tier joined him on a live edition of Seattle Kitchen to share what he’s noticed people eying on the shelves.

“It started with a bunch of folks drinking Pinot Noir,” guesses Tier. That’s why wine connoisseurs and palatable pairers are leaning towards lighter reds.

Along with whites, the lighter-bodied reds pair well with ethnic cuisines like Thai food, as well as seafood.

Some people, says Tier, are just looking for something with less alcohol.

“Compared to when I started wine retail in 1980 wines that were 13 and 13.5 are now 15 and higher in alcohol and that’s going to have an impact too.”

The smaller amount of alcohol could contribute to fewer headaches, as anecdoteally Tom said people seem to complain about wine headaches when they’re drinking the heavier, more alcohol-robust wines. For Tom, the trend towards fewer headaches makes sense.

Along with lighter reds, Tier says folks are looking for whites too – and it’s a good time for that.

“There is a lot of great white wine being made here, and around the world. And I think the overall quality has improved quite a bit.”

As for Tom’s favorite wine of the year so far – it’s a bottle he picked up from Tier: Le Veli from Italy.

“For $12, it’s a heck of a buy.”

KIRO Newsradio: Seattle News & Analysis

Photo: Gee Scott roasted Velveeta cheese ahead of Super Bowl Sunday....

Frank Lenzi

‘Your food is unseasoned’: Gee Scott roasts Velveeta lovers ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl Party where the hosts are serving Velveeta, you won’t find it at Gee Scott's house.

17 hours ago

Photo: Seattle Children's Hospital is one hospital impacted by Trump's executive order blocking fed...

Julia Dallas

‘It’s disgusting’: WA Attorney General’s Office sparks legal battle against Trump order on gender-affirming care

The AG's Office announced it is filing a lawsuit to stop an executive order from the Trump administration that halts federal funding for gender-affirming care.

22 hours ago

Photo: Sweden's Martin Haarahiltunen in red is riding inside Finland's Max Koivula and Austria's Fr...

Paul Holden

Weekend festivities: Undie run, pinball, ice racing and more!

Maybe you've been stuck inside this week enjoying the snow and are ready to get out and enjoy the weekend, well you are in luck!

2 days ago

Photo: Seattle Sounders FC fans cheers for his team at the stadium during the match between Toronto...

Matt Markovich

A fart tax? State lawmaker suggests sports fans pay up for methane emissions

A Republican lawmaker made an unusual suggestion during a public hearing Thursday on a bill that could lead to a fart tax on cows.

2 days ago

Photo: A cell in the King County Jail can be seen in a recent photo....

Matt Markovich

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill

A bill advanced in Olympia that may lead to a floor vote on one of the most significant law and justice bills of this session. It involves sentencing reform.

2 days ago

Photo: Housing in Seattle, Washington....

Matt Markovich

Washington bill takes aim at corporate homebuyers, tries to level playing field for families

In a move to preserve homeownership opportunities and combat escalating housing prices, a new bill — Senate Bill 5496 — has been introduced in Washington.

3 days ago

Wine drinkers trend toward lighter fare in 2013