In addition to serving as wine director of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, Marika Vida-Arnold is owner of Vida et Fils Wine Consulting. She spearheads the Phenomenal Femmes dinner series celebrating women’s achievement in the wine industry. Here she speaks about 2017 trends in wine and champagne.
What are the wine regions to watch?
Portugal—tremendous quality for the value. Some favorite producers: Herdade do Esporao, Wine & Soul, and Quinta do Crasto.
What you’re drinking:
Generally speaking, I am an Old World girl. Right now I am loving Muscadet with my oysters, and I never can get enough Nebbiolo. But ultimately, I am a traditionalist: bubbles, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.
What makes the wine and champagne collection at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park competitive for a New York venue?Â
Our list is not large, but it’s varied and has something for everyone. Some older gems on the list are from Burgundy, Rhone, and California. I love the 2002 Champagne vintage: some of my favorites: Dom Ruinart,  Tarlant La Vigne d’Antan and Krug. I  embrace both small growers and the big champagne houses. Bollinger and Moet Chandon sit next to Pierre Moncuit and Pierre Gimmonet.
Trends in wine and champagne for 2017:
Biodynamic and organic wines continue to see their day. It’s o – cial: Rosé is now qua ed year-round. Lower-alcohol wines are being sought-a er. For champagne, the workhorse grape Pinot Meunier (or just Meunier) is now making a name on its own. I’m enjoying Christophe Mignon’s grower champagne that focuses on that grape.
