Abbreviation for "Anything But Chardonnay (Cabernet)", in German "Alles außer Chardonnay (oder Cabernet)". From the 1980s onwards, a preference developed worldwide for the two grape varieties Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, both on the part of producers and consumers. It was considered "chic" or "in" to drink wines from these two varieties. Wine connoisseurs expressed their displeasure and weariness about this by creating what soon became a common saying against it. The ABC phenomenon also caused a turnaround, so that subsequently other varieties became interesting again. The term "ABC style" is also used rather pejoratively for wines with a special style in which wines from Chardonnay, but also from other varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, were/are developed. These are high alcohol content, slightly sweet taste and distinctive wood tone (toast aroma). See also under Coca-Cola wines.
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Thomas Götz
Weinberater, Weinblogger und Journalist; Schwendi