With 2017 right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Here’s one that is both fun and easy: expand your wine palate in 2017 by trying one new wine for each of the next 12 months. These recommendations will help you – if you’re up to the challenge!
January: Petite Sirah
Don’t let the name fool you. These dry, California red wines are full bodied, plush, and contain bold flavors of black fruits. Pair them with hearty chili, grilled venison, or roasted lamb.
February: Amarone della Valpolicella
These massive and intense reds from Italy’s Veneto region are blends of dried grapes, giving them concentrated fruit flavors and a long, velvety texture. Check out this blog for some great Amarone food pairings.
March: Monastrell
Although more commonly known in France as “Mourvèdre,” the Monastrell grape likely originated in Spain. These dark, meaty, and spicy Spanish reds will keep you warm until spring arrives. Try pairing with hamburgers or other grilled meats.
April: Pouilly-Fumé
If you’re already familiar with the Sauvignon Blanc wines of Loire’s Sancerre appellation, try a bottle from neighboring Pouilly-Fumé. The distinct, flinty character of these whites will have you craving more.
May: Chablis
Crisp, mineral-driven Chablis is a wonderful alternative to oaky styles of Chardonnay. These elegant, white Burgundy wines are a perfect complement to the sweet scents of springtime!
June: Côtes de Provence Rosé
Be part of a French summer tradition and have some refreshingly dry rosé. They’re great as an aperitif, or with seafood, salads, and a range of Asian cuisines!
July: Rosé Champagne
Congratulations, you’re halfway through the year! Take a break from the heat and celebrate with some pink, berry-flavored bubbly! Try it with something on the grill like sausages – if you’ve ever thought “that stuff looks too sweet,” you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
August: Albariño
Grown primarily in northwest Spain, Albariño is vinified into aromatic, mouthwatering white wines. Pair them with fresh shellfish, salads, or sushi.
September: Beaujolais
Produced from the Gamay grape, the elegant red wines of France’s Beaujolais region are known for their tart red berry and spice flavors. These wines are a smart match with many of autumn’s seasonal dishes, like squash and roast turkey.
October: Cava
Spain’s answer to French Champagne is Cava, a sparkling wine also produced by the Traditional method. If you want bubbly for a great value, give one of these a try.
November: Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola is the quintessential Sicilian red, known for warm-climate flavors of ripe plum and berry. Serve these firmly structured wines with roasted turkey, grilled steak, or traditional Sicilian fish dishes.
December – Priorat
The full-bodied, powerful red wines of Spain’s Priorat region are based on the Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) grapes. Modern blends sometimes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Drink them with braised short ribs, oxtail stew, or grilled sausages, and forget the cold weather.
The chances of not sticking to this resolution through February are slim, so let us know how you’re doing throughout the year on our Facebook page! Have fun, and happy New Year!