So, it’s 2016.
A time for New Year’s resolutions? Sure. Why not.
You could head to the gym or decide you’re going to try something crazy this year (in my books, this would be something like bungee jumping). Or…OR you could sit back, relax, and try some wines that you have likely never thought of trying. I like this idea best. Hello! Excuse for a party!
Here are some wines that you probably have never heard of, but that you should try at least once in your lifetime. Some of them may be harder to find than others depending on where you live, but, let’s be honest, part of the thrill is in the chase.
Picpoul de Pinet
A light white wine with pizzazz. Looking for something to go with those fresh scallops or that crisp salad? Try me. I mean it. Picpoul de Pinet is loaded with stony aromas and flavours in addition to zippy citrus notes. You’ll love it. Oh, and it won’t break the bank. Prices from CAD $15.00.
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Ehrenfelser
There’s not much of this badboy grape planted on the planet, so try it while you can. British Columbia is one of the top producers of this stunning white grape. If you like Pinot Gris, then you’ll love Ehrenfelser. It is loaded with apple, peach, and other stone fruit notes. Crisp, clean, and down-to-earth, this varietal will have you headed back to buy another bottle. Another great wine that is under CAD $20.00.
Region: British Columbia, Canada
Moscato d’Asti
Breakfast can be an entirely different experience with some Moscato d’Asti. Forget Mimosas; they’re old school. Try this lightly-fizzy sparkling wine from northwestern Italy. Light in body and not too heavy on the alcohol, this wine is full of flavour and carries a hint of sweet. Buttery scrambled eggs and toast for breakky? No problem. Moscato d’Asti can handle it. Waffles and whip cream? No problem. You get the idea. You’re looking at about CAD $25.00 per bottle give or take.
Region: Asti, Piedmont, Italy
Nero d’Avola
What can I say about this sexy, silky, plush red from southern Italy? *sigh* It’s comforting on a cold winter night. It plays well with a variety of foods, and it is the type of wine you bring to bed with you…to read a book. Hey! What were you thinking? Loaded with notes of cherries…HEY!…mulberry…That’s better…and plums, this wine will have you seduced in no time. *wink* Look at spending CAD $17.00 for a decent bottle.
Region: Sicily, Italy
Tannat
You haven’t had the heavy of the heavy red wines until you have had Tannat. If you can picture an inky, tannic, deep red wine with loads of flavour, you can begin, yes begin, to understand what the “Tannat experience” would be like. Don’t try this wine before anything else; it is likely to knock your tastebuds off. Don’t be intimidated, go for the expereince. I promise it will be unforgettable. Prices vary, but aim to spend about CAD $30.00 or more.
Region: Madiran, France and Uruguay
Happy New Year everyone, and please share this (sort of) wine bucket list with your friends one night by uncorking a bottle! Be safe, and be well.
Cheers!
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A great list! I love Moscato d’Asti so much. I remember when I first tried it in wine class, I was so impressed. Such a great option for a brunch wine.
Hi Krista – It sounds like we had the same experience. I tried Moscato d’Asti for the first time in my WSET courses. I was blown away. Have loved it since, and there are some really great bottles out there!
Hmmmm… tannat…. Let it age and it wil be worth it. I drank an ’02 Madiran last year and it was lovely, although I would have had it sooner if requested. Love me some tannins.
Tannat is definitely a wine that you need to have patience for, both for cellaring and for tasting. So worth it though!
I know a couple of these and I especially like Moscato d’Asti. I will be looking for the Ehrenfelser, particularly now that I live in the Okanagan. 🙂
Happy New Year! 🙂
Awesome! Check out Gray Monk or Cedar Creek for Ehrenfelser. Both are Kelowna based wineries. Let me know what you think, Lynette! Thanks for being an awesome Demystified Vine fan!