It is configured from a head-spinning blend of grapes including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Sangiovese, Carignane, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Nebbiolo and Black Muscat. With a berry-tinged aroma and fresh taste, it is the quintessential summer wine. According to Wiegand, red wine sales have doubled in the past six years in the United States, and have probably more than doubled in restaurants. That's 23.2 million cases in 1991 and 58.2 million cases in 1997. The increase has been fueled by media coverage featuring the health benefits of moderate red wine consumption.
Whites still dominate the market, but their growth has been slower.
In a completely arbitrary and unscientific survey, I called several local restaurants to check the stripes of Milwaukee area wine-drinkers. Bar managers and restaurant owners answered questions about their customers' wine preferences. With reds, no one varietal has taken hold. Reds are all over the place. He sees fewer people asking for house wine, opting instead for brand-name or premium choices.