Since the introduction of the 100-point system in the 1970s by American Robert Parker, wine professionals and enthusiasts have referenced wine ratings and awards for their portfolio and consumption needs respectively. The meteoric Robert Parker scores led to numerous other critics, journalists/wine writers, publications and competitions developing wine ratings and awards’ systems. With advances in technology and increased accessibility to wine education, professionals and enthusiasts are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about wine, realizing greater discernment in their palates and wine style and type (and brand) choices. Which begs the question, are wine ratings and awards still important in the 2020s and beyond?

I vaguely remember when pale pink rosés first became fashionable, about fifteen years or so ago! Still living in Barbados at the time, many tourists (notably the British) craved this lighter-bodied, refreshing and easier-drinking style of wine to quench their thirsts while on the beach or at a seaside restaurant! I really thought the trend of drinking ‘pale and pretty’ rosés, transplanted from the warm and balmy summer days in the South of France, would subside……. Alas, here we are in 2023 and the demand for, and consumption of rosés continues, accounting for around nine percent of global still wine consumption!

In anticipation of International Prosecco Day (August 13th), we thought this was the perfect time to change the perceptions on this wine!