Start your new year getting out of your wine rut!
There are plenty of reasons not to try new wines – the pandemic got us into “comfort wine”, it’s hard to tell what’s in the bottle from the label, you don’t have any idea what it tastes like. Who wants to buy a bottle and then not like it?
Wines by the glass at restaurants and bars are a great way to try new things, but often their lists are basic – meant to appeal to a broad range of tastes but still be “safe”.
For 2023, I challenge you to break out of your comfort zone and try something new. And to make that possible, and easy, here are a few go-to wines that I love based on your preferred wine now!
If you like Prosecco, try:
- A Cremant from France – like Cremant de Bourgogne, Alsace or Limoux. These are traditionla method sparkling wines made with regional grapes.
- Cava from Spain
- A California sparkling wine inspired by champagne, such as Domaine Carneros or Mumm
If you like Pinot Grigio, try:
- Albariño from Rias Baixas in Spain
- Vinho Verde from Portugal
- Picpoul de Pinet from France
- Other fantastic Itlaian whites like Verdicchio, Falanghina or, Pecorino
If you like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, try:
- Another SB from another location like Sancerre (France), Chile or even northern Italy
- Verdejo from Rueda, Spain
- Vermentino from Italy
If you like California Chardonnay, try:
- French Chardonnay, especially from Burgundy
- Godelllo from Spain
- Viognier ( I love Carol Shelton’s Wild Thin Viognier from California)
- Chenin Blanc from South Africa
If you like Provence rose, try:
- Roses from different grapes like Pinot Noir or even Malbec
- Northern Italian rose from local grapes like Lagrein
- The beautiful, deep colored Tavel from the Rhone in France
If you like Pinot Noir, try:
- Etna Rosso from Sicily
- Gamay (Beaujolais) from France
- A French Burgundy
- Gringnolino from Piemonte
If you like Chianti, try:
- Other Sangiovese based Italian wines like Rosso di Montelcino
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from Italy
- Nero d’Avola from Sicily
- Garnacha from Spain
If you like Malbec, try:
- Tempranillo from Spain (Rioja or other regions)
- The original Malbec – from Cahors in France
- Zinfandel from California or Primitivo from Italy
If you like Merlot, try:
- Aglianico from Campania or Basilicata, Italy
- A Right Bank Bordeaux or just Bordeaux AOC
- Cabernet Franc from Chinon in France
If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, try:
- An Australian Shiraz from Barossa Valley
- Tannat – originally from SW France, this is Uruguay’s top variety
- A Super Tuscan from coastal Tuscany
I could go on and on…but this should be enough to get you started. Cheers and Happy New Year!
