I love wine and I love variety. If you read my previous post (https://wp.me/p74VSa-kB) with my New Year’s Resolutions, you know I am putting my money where my mouth is, so to speak. I will be discussing less common, but interesting wine varietals in this post and periodically in future posts. Trying new wines is the best way to increase your knowledge, develop your palate and discover new favorites-in short, to increase your enjoyment of wine. In that vein, here are a few less common, but interesting wines I have recently tried. Today: Red, White, Orange Wines
Red-The first new wine (for me) was a revelation. Aglianico, while new to me, is the third most popular wine grape in Italy (after Sangiovese and Nebbiolo). Aglianico is very approachable (after learning the correct pronunciation-“ah-YAH-nee-koe” and aerating long enough to let it open up a bit). I enjoyed mine with a great meal at an Italian restaurant, paired with a terrific sausage appetizer and a pasta dish with meat and an Arrabbiata sauce (or gravy as some folks in this area call it). This one just got better and better as the evening progressed. From the first pour and swirl I admired the deep color, full body and complex aromas and flavors. It made me wonder why it is so difficult to find in stores around me. I got mine from the Wine Library in northern New Jersey (see there is a NJ connection).
White-The second new wine (for me) was less dramatic, but a keeper. While the name has a familiarity, Pinot Bianco (pictured above left) is not Pinot Grigio. It’s actually more closely related to Pinot Noir. According to Wikipedia, it is a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. “Pinot Noir is genetically unstable and will occasionally experience a point mutation in which a vine bears all black fruit, except for one cane which produces white fruit.” This Italian version of the grape is a bit more full-bodied, but minus the creamy finish of the French version, Pinot Blanc. I must say, however, that I will be looking for another bottle of this unique white wine soon. But buyer beware-you may have a little trouble finding it. I was able to find it via Wine.com. A good friend (a red wine devotee) tried it and agreed it was surprisingly good.
Orange-I recently tried Turdo Vineyards version of Orange Wine, called Arancio (Italian for orange). It is made with white grapes: Sauvignon Blanc (50%), Catarratto (40%) and Grillo (10%). It is produced by keeping the juice in contact with the skins and seeds for three months. Turdo then ages it for four months in French Acacia barrels (the only NJ winery using French Acacia barrels).The result is more color, higher tannins and more weight. So, in addition to a new blend of wines in Arancio, there was a new varietal (Catarratto, a dry white grape) that I never heard of before, let alone tasted. Like Grillo, it is a Sicilian-based grape. It is not for the faint of heart or those who only like sweet wines. It is a complex dry wine with the ability to make your mouth pucker. That being said, drinking it on its own or accompanied (as recommended by Sara Turdo) with nuts, persimmons, dried fruits (not too sweet) and goat cheese, Arancio is well worth trying for those who want to experience all things wine.
Finally, I added a wine that is not new to me, but may be to you. I was introduced to Nero d’Avola (pictured above right) about a decade ago at one of my first visits to Turdo Vineyards & Winery. It is the only Nero d’Avola offered in New Jersey (that I know of). I’ve heard that there are others in the U.S., but I have been unable to find one. I have had several from Sicily (where the grape originates). Turdo’s version holds its own (and then some) with the best of those I have tried since my first experience with this wine. Sal Turdo and his wife, Sara also have roots in Sicily. Sal and Sara’s son, Luca both make remarkably good wines, especially their dry reds, with an Italian touch. Nero d’Avola should be on your list to try in the very near future. It is a rich, full-bodied, flavorful red that you will love.
I hope you have decided to join me in my quest to try at least a couple of new wine varietals every month. I’m ahead of my schedule so far, but I know there will be weeks that I fall behind, as we tend to do with many of our resolutions. Just don’t beat yourself up when this happens. Just get back in the game. After all, this is a pretty fun game! Red, white, orange wines today. Who knows what wines are in our future?
Coming Attractions:
- Revisiting Balic Winery
- Revisiting G & W Vineyards
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Cheers!
