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lastdrop Gazing into the crystal glass Patrick Haddock peers into his crystal wineglass and predicts the foremost wine trends in Australia in 2013. The world of wine is a vast sea of choice with an ever-changing tide of trends. Sometimes they come crashing down as an unsubtle tidal wave – think Kiwi sauvignon blanc – and other times they just create a ripple before disappearing into the ether – think savignin. Yet, with so much choice, there are many varieties that tread the water consistently – think chardonnay and shiraz – and some that come and go like ships in the night. So what styles that are just trickles in 2013 will become trendy tsunamis or rise to zeitgeist proportions? Moscato will keep growing as a market segment. This innocuous sweet wine that's low in alcohol is the fastest-growing white variety as a result of its ridiculously easy-drinking nature. Pair it with brunch, lunch or dinner with light salads and even desserts and it's pure chilled refreshment in a glass. Last month I talked about rosé – there will be a storm of pink wine in the summer months, for certain. It's been bandied about for ages, but more alternative varieties will get to see the light of day. Among the whites, expect to hear more about vermentino, fiano and perhaps even gruner veltliner, and among the reds, sagrantino, lagrein and mataro. Closer to home, there will be an emphasis on Australian bubbly, with Tasmania and, more recently, Orange making sparkling styles using the best cool-climate chardonnay and pinot. Finally, the multi-blend is getting a look-in as winemakers craft wines that look more European with multiple varieties, so expect to see wines that are full of diversity and interest and pair well with food. . FOR STARTERS Whatever you choose to drink in 2013 you can be assured of a vast and varied ocean of choice. Here are three that will start you on your way. Deakin Estate Moscato It's not hard to see why people are flocking to moscato, and while it's not a cerebral drink it should be enjoyed for what it is. For $10 and at 6% alcohol it's a glass of grapy goodness with hints of musk sticks and tinned fruit (think peaches and apricots), followed by a sweet palate of tropical fruit and a cleansing acid finish. Toppers Mountain Red Earth Blend 2009 A versatile blend from New England comprising petit verdot, tannat, barbera and nebbiolo. It's full of character and easy drinking, showing red fruits, chocolate and spice with hints of leather and delicate tannins. Swift Cuvee NV Made by the guys at Printhie in Orange, this bubbly is set to become a cool-climate classic. A blend of pinot and chardonnay, it shows a citrus and yeast intensity with a fresh, racy acid finish. Patrick Haddock is a wine and food writer, blogger and communicator. Two of his children sleep in beds, the rest age in a cellar. Visit: winingpom.com.au 45