New Year, New Wines !

Why not kick off the New Year with new wine grapes you don’t’ know….but should know.   The four wines below, all of which are from outside the USA, need to be on your 2023 list.   Don't expect to recognize them, but do know that they are going to be among the best wine deals you buy this year.  Because there is limited demand for these little known wine gems, prices are a steal! 

There’s something for everyone in this article.  Two are white wines, and there are two for red lovers.  One is from South America, and the other three are European (Spain, Italy & Croatia.)   The PQR for all is superb.

                        Wine from Spain's Bierzo is becoming red-hot for wine lovers in-the-know
                                         

Bierzo (Spanish red)

Want a complex red that won’t break the bank?  Bierzo has your name on it.  Produced in Spain’s northwest region (near the Portuguese border), Bierzo is not only the name of the wine, but the wine region as well.  The grape is Mencia (men-thee-ah) and it’s attracted a lot of attention in the last few years from savvy wine consumers around the globe.  Mencia, the only red grape allowed by law in Bierzo, is known for high quality wines with red fruit and floral nuances.

Best producers:   Aportela, Avancia (about $15 each)

                            WineKnows have a memorable day at El Enemigo in Mendoza, Argentina

Bonarda (Argentinean red)

I blogged about this varietal in November in an article titled, “The Noah’s Ark of Wines.”   A nearly extinct varietal, Bonarda has become somewhat of a “cult” wine.  Known as Charbono in the US, Bonarda remains popular in Chile & Argentina for its black fruit flavors often with an interesting mélange of licorice.  Good acidity make Bonarda an ideal food wine.

Best producers:  Bodega El Enemigo Aleana Single Vineyard ($20), or Familia Zuccardi Emma Bonarda ($35)

                   One or two spots remain on WineKnows' private Croatian yacht in September 

Posip (Croatian white)

If you’re turning up your nose at a Croatian wine, don’t because you’ll miss a great summer wine.   Posip is an aromatic, flavor-chocked grape that screams summer-by-the-sea.   This little sleeper wine delivers big flavors ranging from lemons to figs….with apricots and almonds tossed in for a bonus.   Posip is difficult to find because it is not yet well known, but I promise it’s worth seeking out.

Suggested producers:  Merga Vieta comes to the US and it’s 20 bucks a pop.  One step up is Saints Hill, available for $37.  (Both are available via CroatianPremiumWines.com)

                    A sip of Vermentino can instantly transport you to the the Italian coastline

Vermentino (Italian white)

The Vermentino grape has been a favorite of mine for >30 years.  If you’ve been to the Cinque Terre, the Tuscan coast, or the island of Sardenia and ordered a glass of white wine in a good restaurant you were most likely served a Vermentino.    It’s a taste of summer in your glass:  peaches, lemons & flowers.  If this one doesn’t grab you at ciao, you may have serious jet lag as even the modest renditions of this wine are perfect for a summer's day on the Mediterranean.

Best producers:   Argiolas or Pala (both Sardenian)

 

Happy New Wines in the New Year!