What is Try January?

Over the past decade, Dry January has become a popular way to welcome the new year. The tradition is a personal challenge to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. Admittedly, going alcohol-free for thirty one days certainly has worthwhile financial and health benefits. Yet for those who tend to already drink in moderation or aren’t ready to commit to taking a month off the sauce, there is another option.Rather than sticking to the usual, Try January is all about trying new things and kicking off the year with some excitement. This challenge is more about branching out of their comfort zone in the new year.

Wine lovers keen to put Try January into action can use the month to discover new wines, producers, and wine regions. Spain and Italy are great places to begin because each has a diverse array of wine regions and native grape varieties. Alternatively, curious wine enthusiasts may choose to venture off the beaten path to obscure winemaking countries, such as Bulgaria or Moldova. Additionally, tasting Old World grape varieties made in New World wine regions is an easy, accessible way to expand your palate. Savoring wines from familiar varieties made in different wine regions always provides an educational tasting experience.

How to Broaden Your Wine Horizons in the New Year

Spanish Wines

Though Spain has an expansive winemaking history, its wines have relatively recently risen to acclaim on the international market. The country’s varied geography coupled with it’s position amidst the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea culminate in numerous climatic zones. Spain’s north and northwest coast exhibit a moderate maritime climate thanks to the Atlantic weather patterns. A warm Mediterranean climate exists from Catalunya in the east to Levante in the south near the coast. Lastly, Spain’s large central plateau called the Meseta Central experiences a hot continental climate.

So, why does the multifaceted climate matter? When considered in conjunction with a large range of indigenous grapes, it results in a plethora of styles of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines to check out for Try January. The following Spanish wine recommendations will help you get started.

Albariño

This white Spanish grape variety grows mainly near the western Atlantic Coast of the country. Rías Baixas is the Spanish wine region with a reputation for producing high quality Albariño. Since this grape has thick skins, it’s able to resist fungal diseases inevitable in this damp climate. The vicinity to the Atlantic imparts enticing sea spray aromas into many Albariño wines. Also as a result, this Spanish white wine is typically light to medium bodied with medium alcohol and high levels of refreshing acidity. Expect aromas of lemon zest, fresh squeezed grapefruit, melon, nectarine, and sea spray. If aromatic wines like Sauvignon Blanc are your jam, then you’re likely to enjoy Albariño, too.

Try: Duelos, Alabariño, Rías Baixas, Galicia 2018

Pair with: grilled fish tacos, ceviche, seafood risotto, herb-laden steamed mussels, leafy green salads

Godello

Godello is a rare white Spanish grape native to Valdeorras in Galicia. Revival efforts of a 1974 program called the Reestructuración de Viñedos de Valdeorras saved this grape from near extinction. Meanwhile, other viticulturists were ripping up old vineyards to plant international varieties.

Today, the Valdeorras DO produces several styles of Godello. Most see stainless steel or neutral oak only. Other examples achieve greater complexity with lees stirring or barrel aging. Generally, Godello wines are light bodied with medium to high acidity and alcohol. Aromas of grapefruit, quince, pear, crushed gravel, and salinity make this Spanish wine an easy sipper. If you enjoy Chardonnay, then definitely give Godello a taste for Try January.

Try: Madai, “Origen” Godello, Bierzo, Spain 2017

Pair with: verde chicken enchiladas, falafel pitas with tzatziki sauce, creamy herb chicken breasts, vegetable green curry with lime rice

Viura

Also known as Macabeo, Viura is one of the main white grape varieties used to make Cava, Spain’s traditional method sparkling wine. It’s called Viura in Rioja where it’s made into unoaked white wines with subtle herb and spice aromas. Historically, the grape was included in heavily oaked white Rioja. Younger examples have medium body, alcohol, and acidity with flavors of lemon, lime, melon, tarragon, and hazelnut, whereas aged Viura transforms into a richly textured, nutty white wine. If you like Rhône whites like Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, or Roussanne, then perhaps you’ll delight in Viura, too.

Try: Bodegas Nivarius, Viura, Rioja 2014

Pair with: Thai takeout, Vietnamese spring rolls (young Viura), roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes, herb and macadamia crusted salmon

Tempranillo (Rioja)

Tempranillo is Spain’s premier red wine variety and grows widely throughout northern and central Spain. Also known as Cencibel in Castilla-La Mancha, Tempranillo is a thick-skinned grape which requires enough warmth to fully ripen. Yet with medium levels of acidity, this Spanish variety does best where there’s an elevated diurnal temperature range bringing cool nighttime temperatures. This allows the grapes to maintain acidity, resulting in a better balanced wine. Tempranillo is produced in fresh, fruity styles with flavors of strawberry and cherry, as well as more robust oak aged styles with notes of cherry, dried fig, dill, cedar, and tobacco.

Rioja is a Spanish wine region famous for its Tempranillo blends made with Graciano and Garnacha. Notably, the best Tempranillo wines and top Rioja can age upwards of twenty years. If you’re a California Cabernet Sauvignon fan, then take Tempranillo for a spin for Try January.

Try: La Antigua, Tempranillo Blend, Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2012

Pair with: gorgonzola and caramelized onion burgers or portobello burgers, grilled steak, rack of lamb, chilli or vegetarian chilli

Italian Wines

For an endless array of wine options for Try January, look to Italy. The country has around 2,000 native grapes of which approximately 400-500 are used for commercial production. Furthermore, Italy’s mixed geography includes the foothills of the Alps in the north, the Apennine Mountain range running south through the country, the fertile Po River Valley, coastal plains, and more. Climates range from moderate continental in the north to hot and humid in the south. Consequently, Italian wines run the gamut in styles from crisp and fresh to tannic and concentrated. Below are a handful of Italian wines for your initial exploration.

Barbera

Barbera is a black grape from the prestigious Piedmont wine region in northwestern Italy. It’s one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the region. You’re likely to encounter this Italian grape labeled under the Barbera d’Alba DOC or the Barbera d’Asti DOCG. Locals consider Barbera as an everyday red wine compared to the more well-known and expensive Barolo or Barbaresco wines made from Nebbiolo.

You’ll find Barbera produced in fruity, unoaked styles, as well as barrel-aged examples with subtle spice notes. Barbera is known for its mouthwatering acidity, medium tannins, and medium to high alcohol. Tart cherry, black cherry, dried herbs, and black pepper are this Italian wine’s signature aromas. If you love Grenache, then Barbera will likely be a hit.

Try: Nada, Barbera d’Alba Superiore, Piedmont, Italy 2012

Pair with: spaghetti bolognese, lasagne, pizza, roasted or grilled vegetable dishes

Montepulciano

Italy’s best Montepulciano grows in the central eastern of the country in Abruzzo under the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC. The grape variety has high acidity and produces generously colored wines with significant tannins thanks to the hot Mediterranean sun. Montepulciano offers delicious red plum, blackberry, and dried thyme flavors entrenched with notes of allspice and smoke. Abruzzo produces fruity, easy drinking Montepulciano and other more concentrated, oak aged examples.

Try: Vigneti del Sol, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy 2019

Pair with: grilled sausage, smoked brisket, barbeque chicken or ribs, lamb or vegetarian curry

Verdicchio

Verdicchio grows in the Marche wine region on the eastern side of the Apennines situated near the Adriatic Sea. The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC is the most famous Italian designation of origin for this white wine. The grape variety is adored for its naturally high, vibrant acidity. Verdicchio wines often have an oily texture and express flavors of green apple, lemon, peach, and occasionally fennel or almonds. If Pinot Grigio tends to be your go to white, then mix things up for Try January with a bottle of Verdicchio.

Try: Vignamato, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC, Marche, Italy 2013

Pair with: mixed nuts, olives, and prosciutto for appetizers, quiche Lorraine, pesto pasta, roasted herb-stuffed sea bass

Kerner

Grown at high-altitudes in northeastern Italy in the Alto Adige wine region, Kerner is a frost resistant variety suitable for cooler climates. It’s a cross between Schiava and Riesling yielding sleek, subtly spicy white wines with fruity aromas of apple, grapefruit, and tropical mango. The best examples come from gravelly vineyards in Isarco Valley and Val Venosta. For Riesling enthusiasts, Kerner is bound to please.

Try: Eisacktal Kellerei, Kerner, Valle Isarco, Alto Adige, Italy, 2018

Pair with: prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe, ratatouille, shrimp scampi, onion tart, grilled garlic chicken

Discover an Off the Beaten Path Wines in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley is purportedly the birthplace of Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine. According to archeological findings, wine was first made here as far back as 4,000 B.C. What better place to uncover some hidden gems for Try January!

The Thracian Valley rests along Bulgaria’s border with Greece and Turkey. Furthermore, it’s one of two Bulgarian PGI’s to export wines out of the country and is home to a mix of international and native Bulgarian varieties. Winemakers are able to cultivate such an interesting range of grapes thanks to the numerous subregions and microclimates in the valley.

International varieties grown in the Thracian Valley include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Viognier. Whereas Pamid, Gamza, Mavrud, Muscat Ottonel, and Vrachanski Misket are a few indigenous varieties you’re likely to encounter.

Trying wines made from international grapes grown in a region that’s new to you is a great way to understand new terroir.

Try: Edoardo Miroglio, Heritage Pinot Noir, Nova Zagora, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria 2016

Pair with: chicken saltimbocca, Korean BBQ pork, Bulgarian moussaka, shepherd’s pie

Try: Edoardo Miroglio, Bio Viognier & Traminer, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria 2016

Pair with: crab cakes, asparagus frittata, creamy coconut curries, artichoke gratin

Mavrud

Mavrud is an ancient Bulgarian variety which originated around the city of Plovdiv in western Thrace. Due to its exceptional compatibility for oak maturation and cellaring potential, Mavrud is highly sought after in Bulgaria and gaining popularity worldwide. It presents complex red and black fruit flavors like cranberry and black cherry, as well as thyme, smoke, baked earth, and dried sage flavors. If Syrah or Southern Rhône red blends are your go-to, get your hands on a bottle of Mavrud.

Try: Edoardo Miroglio, Mavrud Elenovo Reserve, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria 2011

Pair with: dark meats seasoned in exocit spices; Asian five-spice pork ribs, lamb gyros, prime rib, roasted herb-stuffed red peppers and tomatoes

New World Region, Old World Variety

Primitivo in California

Primitivo’s homeland is in Puglia located in the south of Italy. The climate is hot and sunny with some maritime influences from the surrounding Adriatic and Mediterranean seas. These conditions yield high quality, full-bodied red wines packed with concentrated red and black fruit flavors, plus high alcohol. Much of California wine country has similar conditions. Therefore, it’s the ideal place to grow Primitivo. If you love a California Zinfandel, news flash – Primitivo is the same grape!

Try: Hendry, Block 24 Primitivo, Napa Valley, California, 2017

Pair with: eggplant parmesan, cheeseburgers, roasted lamb shank, braised beef, rustic vegetable dishes like lentil stew

Picpoul Blanc from Washington

Picpoul Blanc is a French grape variety from the Languedoc in the southwest of the country near the Mediterranean. Specifically, it’s concentrated in the Picpoul de Pinet AOC ne1w1war the coast. The cooling sea breezes help retain Picpoul’s electrifying acidity and the variety’s name means “stings the lip.” Accordingly, wines made from this grape definitely earn the title with saline, green apple, lemon, lime, and citrus blossom flavors.

In Washington’s Walla Walla AVA, Picpoul obtains optimal ripeness in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains. Vineyards have long hours of sunshine through the growing season, followed by a significant diurnal temperature drop which retains acidity in the grapes. If you enjoy fresh white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Muscadet, then add Picpoul Blanc to your Try January shopping list.

Try: Gramercy Cellars, Picpoul Blanc, Walla Walla, Washington, 2017

Pair with: chicken piccata, grilled fish, lemon, green pea and calamari risotto, sushi, oysters, swordfish with caper sauce

Same Variety, Different Region

Convinced you don’t like a certain grape? This Try January, challenge yourself to try a wine made from that variety, but produced in a new region you haven’t experienced yet.

For example, Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted grape in South Africa. Basic versions are easy drinking, but producers in regions like Paarl are serving up concentrated, oak-aged, full-textured Chenin Blanc. However, across the pond in France’s Loire Valley, the variety’s native home, Chenin Blanc is often leaner and more aromatic. In the Loire, you’ll find dry, sweet, still, and sparkling styles. Depending on your palate and whichever style of Chenin Blanc you happen to try, you might be dismissing a full range of styles that could pleasantly surprise you.

Try: Chancelle, Chenin Blanc, Saumur, Loire Valley, France 2015

Also try: Usuku, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa 2019

Pair with: oysters, chicken alfredo, parmesan crusted mahi mahi, scallops in sauce beurre blanc