Instead of ‘Dry’ January why not make this ‘Try’ January? Claire Mottershaw suggests you break away from your normal tipple and go on an adventure
After the traditional festive over-indulgence many commit to an alcohol free January but rather than just going cold turkey for the month of January, responsible drinking should be about making sensible choices all year round. So instead having a Dry January, why not make this a Try January and practice some mindful drinking whilst trying some new grape varieties.
The British Liver Trust have called Dry January “pointless”, saying it is far better to stay off alcohol a few days every week throughout the year than go alcohol free for one month. The start of a new year is a great time to take the plunge and try new things. Most people stick to what they know , they drink Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, and despite there being a whole world of wine out there never order anything more adventurous, often buying the same bottles from the same producer as it has never let them down. In an attempt to encourage a spirit of wine adventure whilst encouraging more mindful drinking , here are some suggestions of grape varieties other than the tried and tested favourites.
If a zingy, minerally forward Sauvignon Blanc is your normal tipple then why not a Vermentino or an Albariño? Hailing mainly from Italy, Vermentino is generally crisp, fresh, floral, appley with a whistle-clean finish. A typical tasting note for Albariño would be dry, citrus flavours and a mineral-driven finish. Sound familiar?
Pinot Grigio lovers should reach for also Italian Gavi dei Gavi (100% Cortese) , a Portugeuse Vinho verde or an Austrian Grüner Veltliner. All light, with crisp acidity, green fruits, and almond hints these alternatives are often more flavoursome than sometimes bland, and dare I say it boring Pinot Grigio.
If an oaky buttery chardonnay is your go to white wine of choice how about an aged white Rioja, or a Rousanne/Marsanne from the Rhone or an oaked Viognier. Delivering lush, full-bodied palates with exotic fruits and sweet spices there is more than enough to marry with the usual food pairing suggestions of lobster/crab, fois gras or chicken pie.
For Pinot Noir fans try Beaujolais’s Gamay – Morgon, Flerie or Moulin-á-Vent are the most popular appelations to look for . From Italy Nebbiolo with its delicate aromas of rose, cherry, and truffle can offer a good alternative as too the lesser known Austrian Zweigelt bringing red fruits and pepper into the mix.
Chilean Carménère, Italian Sangiovese and Spanish Tempranillo have the complexity ,tannins and richness to satisfy a Cabernet Sauvignon lover. A Merlot dominate Bordeaux would also,- whilst being softer- appeal to the same palette with it’s ripe berries, cedar and hints of leather and chocolate.
Shiraz/Syrah lovers will also like Carménère and it’s neighbour Argentinian Malbec. Both approachable offering dark, fruits chocolate and spice. Uruguay’s national grape Tannat with it’s strong tannins, complexity and rich fruit flavours will also find favour. Not forgetting Italy’s Montepulciano with it’s earthiness,cherries and plums!
Last but not least Champagne. Here there are many equally delicious, and often cheaper, alternatives all made using the ‘ methode traditionalle’. From France any sparkling wines made outside of the Champagne region are called Cremant. Mainly from the Loire, Alsace and Bordeaux each reflect it’s terroir and are very easy drinking. Spanish Cava, Italian Franciacorta and German/Austrian Sekt all have producers that can stand shoulder to shoulder with champagne houses whilst English sparkling wines are also beginning to hold their own as do many of South Africa’s MCC producers.
So this January why not try some of the alternatives suggested above and practice Try not Dry.,
Claire Mottershaw, Director, Vins Sans Frontières
www.vsfgroup.com
