Americans appreciate cheaper, lesser known wines in 2010

(Igor Dutina)

An American hospitality management company Benchmark Hospitality International released its "Top Ten Beverage Trends for 2010" on August 28 highlighting the fact that Americans are opting for cheaper, lesser known wines and unique cocktails.

In the US and beyond, expect to see these trends reflected in menus of restaurants, bars, big hotel chains and even at your local beverage shops.

IN
Unoaked chardonnays
Sauvignon Blanc, especially popular in the locavore movement
Lesser known varieties: Torrontes, Bonarda, Carmenere, Albarino, Chenin Blanc
Sangria
Inexpensive sparkling: Cava, Prosecco, Cremant

OUT
Big oak whites
Champagne
Traditional cocktails
Bloody Mary brunches

Additionally cocktails are getting iced in the form of milkshakes and popsicles, and the slow food movement has inspired locavores to opt for locally infused and distilled spirits as well as smaller eco-friendly craft beers.

Plus Americans and foodies worldwide are still interested in learning how to best elevate their food with the right drink pairing, hence the increase of beer flight dinners and wine pairing parties. If you would like to figure out what wine works best with endive and thousands of other combinations, go to: http://www.foodpairing.be