From Theresa Johnston,
Your Guide to Orlando.
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In the past several years, wines from Argentina have gained on Chilean wines in popularity, says Epcot Beverage Manager Jason Cha-Kim. Argentina is famous for its Malbec full-bodied red, a fruit-forward, affordable wine that suits the American palate. Guests can taste Bodegas Salentein Malbec at the Argentina marketplace in World Showcase, where it pairs well with spicy beef empanadas.

Rosé champagnes and wines have gained respect and soared in popularity, Cha-Kim says, after a "monumental" improvement in quality. Rosé colors range from salmon to bright pink to crimson, and hottest items are dry rosés imported from Provence wineries such as Mas de la Dame that use Grenache and Mourvedre grapes. California rosés like Kenwood from the Russian River in Sonoma and Etude from Napa Valley are made from pinot noir grapes. High-quality rosé champagnes shine, and festival guests can enjoy Piper Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage, Moët & Chandon Dry Rosé and Sweet Rosé Nectar from France, as well as Banfi Rosa Regale sparkling wine from Italy. With their refreshing acidity and essences of cherry, roses and berries, rosés pair well with spicy food and barbecue -- some are perfect with dark chocolate.

Ever since the hit wine film "Sideways" wowed audiences, Pinot Noirs have enjoyed the spotlight. The festival features Pinots by the bottle from Santa Barbara, Oregon, Burgundy and New Zealand. Guests also can taste a Pinot at the New Zealand marketplace in World Showcase.

Cha-Kim, who has booked winemakers from around the world for the yearly six-week fest, says the latest trends in wine and beer will be center stage. Champagne continues to make a big splash -- it's available by the glass or bottle at the Festival Welcome Center and at other park locations.

Throughout Future World and World Showcase, festival trends appear:

• The welcome center wine shop features a Bodegas Pinord wine (Moscatel, Merlot) uniquely packaged in bottles shaped like a grape cluster.
• An up-and-coming wine-producing region in western Australia, Margaret River, showcases what Cha-Kim describes as a "fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon" at the Australia, Discover Down Under experience.
• Ice wines from Canada serve up sweet refreshment, and the festival will feature Mission Hill and Chateau des Charmes Ice Wines at the Festival Welcome Center seminars and wine shop, as well as at the Party for the Senses Grand Tasting.
• The latest from Budweiser -- the Bacardi Silver Mojito, is a flavored alcoholic beverage in the tradition of the famous Mojito cocktail.
• Diverse beer flavors take center stage at the Hops and Barley Market this year. Here, guests can sample 10 types of Samuel Adams beers, including the festival's exclusively brewed 12th Anniversary Beer, plus Octoberfest, Pale Ale, Black Lager, Cherry Wheat and Light brews.

More wine buzz:

• The "wine geek" community has elevated the under-appreciated Riesling to the status of "the next Chardonnay," Cha-Kim says. "There's so much Chardonnay in the market, and much of it has been so over-oaked or is too sweet and fruity. There are many styles of Riesling, from sweet to dry, with super-quality from Germany and affordable wines from Canada or Australia. The beauty of it is that it can be grown in many different areas, including Canada and other colder regions."
• The New World Australian region, Coonawarra, is producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Unlike the Margaret River Cabernets that are produced in the French fashion with subtle fruits, "the Coonawarra is like a fruit bomb in the California style, fruity and full-bodied," Cha-Kim says.

Several Rieslings, the mighty Shiraz, and both Coonawarra and Margaret River Cabernets will be among hundreds of wines to strut their flavors at the 12th annual fest. More than 100 wineries offer tastings, and guests can sample the cuisine of more than 25 international marketplaces in tasting portions ranging from $1.50 to $4.50.

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