It’s time to broaden your wine horizons beyond the usual suspects. Plenty of delicious and unique red wines are waiting to be discovered in unexpected regions around the world, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Mexico and Portugal’s Alentejo to the cool-climate terroirs of the Russian River Valley. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore these hidden gems!
For example, I have been impressed with Cabernet Franc from Argentina and Syrah from River Valley. Moreover, I enjoy following producers that I love as they expand their efforts to other regions. Hence, followingone of my favorite Rhone Valley producers, M. Chapoutier, I found out that he has been growing Syrah vines in New Zealand and Touriga Nacional in Portugal for some time. Have you ever tried Red Wines from Alentejo or a chilled Baja Nebbiolo? All these options can genuinely enrich your wine journey beyond the usual reds. So, don’t hesitate to venture out and give them a try.
The first wine made by Esporão in 1985 is a classic produced solely from Estate-grown organic grapes. The diversity of Herdade do Esporão and the unique characteristics of the grape varieties, soils, and vines result in a rich, intense, yet always harmonious wine. On the nose, aromas of blackberries, cocoa, dark chocolate, licorice, and a hint of black pepper. The mouth is rich and complex, where intense notes of black fruit and spices predominate—a long and persistent finish.
Art accompanies Esporão Reserva from the very beginning. A new artist designs the wine labels every year, and each work tells a story. Abel Mota illustrates the 2020 label.
Intrigued by the name, I must thank Pink Society for getting me a bottle of this unique Red Wine since it’s only available for club members. From The Sonoma County Green Valley of Russian River Valley, This Red Wine is one of a kind. Made in the Côte Rôtie style, 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier from the Kobler Family Vineyards Estate. The Syrah has a bouquet of violets, raspberries, and vanilla, with hints of bacon fat and white pepper. This is amedium-body red wine with balance on the acidity and medium-plus tannins, resulting in a velvety finish.
This is different from your typical Nebbiolo from Baja. You can drink this one with a chill. It is becoming my house wine; I will include it on my wedding list! From San Vicente Valley, Baja California, Mexico, produced by Llano Colorado and having my dear Lulu Martinez Ojeda as a winemaker, The wine has a complex nose featuring notes of blackberry, fresh pepper, menthol, smoked blueberry, and dark chocolate. The attack is firm but fruity, with an imposing, dense, tannic structure and a fresh, aromatic finish. Overall, it is a delightful wine. If you are in New York, get this one from Astor Wines.
Nebbiolo can be drunk young or can be significant to age. When this wine is young, it has a lovely and surprising smell. It has a beautiful color and a smooth texture that brings out the excellent qualities of the grape it was made from. As it ages, it develops a deep red shade with hints of orange and a more decadent fragrance that includes the scent of flowers like roses and geraniums.
Fontanafredda Nebbiolo Ebbio has a smooth and well-balanced flavor in your mouth with elegant and smoth tannins. This wine goes great with pasta dishes, meats, and medium cheeses.
Fun Wine Experience: Compare a Mexican Nebbiolo vs an Italian Nebbiolo!
I have learned to follow and dig deeper into my favorite producers, so digging deeper into the M. Chapoutier portfolio, I found that he has gone beyond France. The legendary Rhône Valley wine producer Michel Chapoutier was inspired by the diversity of ancient soils and terroirs in a region south of the equator, almost a world away from France. This inspired him to grow Rhône Valley grapes in Australia, the Earth’s oldest continent in the world. Thus, in 1997, he realized this vision with the creation of Domaine Tournon.
Located in Victoria, on the southeastern side of the continent, the region is recognized for its diversity of soils and microclimates. Two unique subzones (GI) were identified in Victoria: Heathcote and Pyrenees. Therefore, Michel’s team planted non-grafted vines from 19th-century clonal selections imported from Europe before the advent of phylloxera, and these vineyards continue to be farmed organically. Mathilda has a deep ruby color with aromas of black fruits and pepper. The palate is supple with elegant tannins, embodying the Rhone Valley in Victoria’s Pyrenees vineyards.
The inception of Dos Lusiadas began in 2009 when Michel Chapoutier and local growers decided to cultivate Touriga Nacional, Portugal’s most admired indigenous variety. Pinteivera is a classic-style wine from Touriga Nacional, a low-yielding vine with high fruit concentration. Touriga Nacional wines are known for their deep color and floral character. The Douro Valley, where the wine is produced, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its long tradition of culture and winemaking.
The wine has a deep, rich color with hints of red. The aroma is strong, mixing dark fruit, spices, and a woody scent. You can also detect hints of cherries and prunes soaked in alcohol. The wine has a full-bodied taste and velvety and smooth texture. Overall, it’s a powerful and delicious wine that will impress.
The Cabernet Franc from the Uco Valley is an exciting addition to our lineup, showcasing the diversity of reds grown in Argentina beyond Malbec. Moreover, the tasting notes are remarkable. This wine boasts black pepper, blackberry, vanilla, and bramble aromatics, followed by rich blackberry, currant, black pepper, and dark chocolate flavors with grippy tannins and a long finish. Find it near you.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
