This year, let's expand our wine knowledge by exploring different grape varieties. Here are some of our favorites that you should know, but may not have had 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 that 2025 is the year for exploring. 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 had yet.
For Those Who Love White Wines with Effervensce
Hard to pronounce but very easy to drink, Txakoli ("cha-coh-lee") is a light-bodied Spanish wine made from the Hondarrabi Zuri grape variety, the predominant white wine grape in Spain's Basque Country. The wines are characterized by zesty acidity, minerality, and a slight effervescence. You'll enjoy stone fruit and citrus aromas balanced with a salty minerality. It is served traditionally with Basque-style tapas or fish but also pairs beautifully with sushi, sashimi, salty hard cheeses, or even salads with gorgonzola cheese. Yum!
For Those Who Love High-Acidity White Wines
Domaine de la Quilla Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie 2022
Muscadet is a white wine from the Loire Valley made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety (or Melon for short!). While it may sound the same, don't confuse Muscadet with Moscato! This wine is the opposite of sweet and showcases a steely minerality that will bring fresh liveliness to your palate. It's deliciously aromatic with green apple, lemon citrus, and green pear notes. It may even have a touch of salinity, particularly the ones that have "sur lie" on the label, which means that the yeast was left in with the wine while it was aging. Get some shucked oysters and treat yourself to this wine!
For Those Who Love Light-Bodied Reds
Kaltern Caldaro Schiava Auslese 2022
What's chillin?! Schiava that's what! This Italian grape, pronounced as "skee-ah-vah" is one of the primary red grapes from the Alto Adige region. It’s delicious when served with a slight chill! Take-out sushi, did you say? Well, if you aren't a white wine fan and need a red wine pairing for seafood, look no further than Schiava. This wine is light, juicy, and refreshing with cranberry, tart raspberry, and even some rhubarb flavors. Beyond fish, try it as an aperitif with charcuterie, hard cheeses, or go to town 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 grape is admired for its intensely hued wines that typically feature robust black fruit notes and strong tannins. Our recommended wine is from Texas. Yup, you heard that right, Texas! With its aromas of blueberry cobbler and brambleberries, a kiss of cracked black pepper, and a whiff of woodsmoke, this bottle is definitely the one for you, full-bodied red wine lovers! You’ll get depth. Rich. Dark. Comforting. Pair it with a hearty Moroccan-style stew and a crackling fire.
For Those Who Want A Good Bold, Yet Easy-Drinking Wine
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. It's one of her favorites! Carmenère originally hails from France and is one of the Bordeaux grapes but has deep roots (pun intended) in Chilé. Our recommended wine from Viña Siegel is packed with beautiful black fruit aromas that are complemented with figs and spice notes with a touch of bell pepper and herbs. On the sip, you'll get velvety, soft tannins making it an easy drink to enjoy. Try it with roasted lamb and rosemary or enchiladas!
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!