This year, let's expand our wine knowledge by exploring different grape varieties. Here's some favorites that you should know, but may not have, yet!
Try January
by Pooja Tiwari
Dry January? More like Try January! For those of us who want to try more this New Year, whether it’s events, adventures, travel, or even wine styles, let’s all agree 2025 is the year of exploring. As for those wanting to try new wine styles - we’ve got you covered! Read on to see what wines you should be trying, but may not have, yet. Don’t worry, we will be changing this.
For Those Who Love High-Acidity Whites
Hard to pronounce, but very easy to drink. Txakoli (Chacoli) is a light-bodied Spanish grape with stone fruit and citrus aromas balanced with salty minerality. The grape, Hondarrabi Zuri, is the predominant white grape variety in Spain's Basque Country, known for its production of slightly effervescent Txakoli wines. These wines are typically characterized as light, citrus notes and feature herbal and mineral undertones. Traditionally it is served with Basque style tapas or fish but also pairs beautifully with sushi, sashimi, salty hard cheeses, or even salads with gorgonzola cheese.
For Those Who Love High-Minerality Whites
Domaine de la Quilla Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie 2022
Not to be confused with Moscato, Muscadet is a French grape from the Loire valley. Made from 100% Melon de Bourgogne, aka Melon B, the wine made from this grape is in the region Muscadet. It showcases a crunchy minerality with liveliness and freshness. This wine is aromatic with green apple, citrus, and white peach. With air or aging, mint and eucalyptus emerge with a dry finish of salty ocean air and citrus fruits. This wine is a natural match with any seafood and shellfish, but would also be enjoyable with most simple dishes or simply on its own.
For Those Who Love Low-Bodied Reds
Kaltern Caldaro Schiava Auslese 2022
The Italian grape, Schiava, a Latin word meaning native, is the most widely planted variety in the Alto Adige region. This is a very light, juicy, and refreshing low-bodied red. Being a very pleasant sipper and light on the palate, it is lively yet well-balanced with its acidity. There is a touch of cranberry and tart raspberry, as well as some rhubarb flavors. Enjoy as an aperitif with charcuterie, hard cheeses (like Parmesan), or with tapas.
For Those Who Love Full-Bodied Reds
McPherson Cellars Petite Sirah Farmhouse Vineyards Crookhouse East Block 2020
If you enjoy a big, bold red, don’t sleep on Petite Sirah. This French style grape is admired for its intensely hued wines while typically featuring robust black fruit notes and strong tannins. This wine in particular is from Texas. Yup, you heard that right, Texas! With its aromas of blueberry cobbler and brambly berries, a kiss of cracked black pepper, and a whiff of woodsmoke, this is a bold red with a deep, velvety texture that lingers on. Fresh. Smooth. Mouthwatering. This bottle is the one for you full-bodied red lovers!
For Those Who Want A Good Easy Drinking, Unique Wine You May Not Know Of
Viña Siegel Carménère Los Lingues Single Vineyard 2019
If you’ve been in the shop recently, you may have heard Pooja speak about this grape variety. Carmenère originally hails from France and is one of the Bordeaux grapes, but has really made deep roots (pun intended) in Chilé. With an intense violet color, this is a very delicious full-bodied red with soft, smooth, round tannins. It’s packed with beautiful aromas of black fruits that are complemented with notes of figs and spices, with a touch of bell pepper and herb notes. Great for an easy drink after a long day or pairs great with a hearty dish packed with a little bit of spice!
Which wines are you going to try this January (or year)?! Let us know by taking to Instagram and sharing your favorite Try January wines (@DCanterwines). Stop by DCanter and let us help you pick out something delicious for the New Year. Cheers!