Not only on National Wine Day, but specially on this holiday for wine lovers, I want to encourage all wine enthusiasts to embark on a journey to discover the diverse and unique flavors of wines from lesser-explored regions.
This year, I recommend delving into the world of wines from remote countries such as Spain, Lebanon, Armenia, Argentina, or Mexico. Take this opportunity to challenge your palate with the aromas and flavors these distinct regions offer. It’s an exciting chance to broaden your wine horizons and find a new favorite to savor.
Cheers to the adventure of exploring new and intriguing wines!
First, explore Rías Baixas, Spain, to taste Mar de Frades Albariño 2022 (SRP: $25). Mar de Frades 2022 is a bright, pale lemon-colored wine with hints of lime. It has a fresh and intense nose with tropical fruit, wildflowers, and notes of eucalyptus and mint. On the one side, the palate is smooth and flavorsome with a saline and mineral character. As a 100% Albariño, it is warm and fresh.
Pair this refreshing white with fish rice dishes, vegetable or seafood paellas, warm scallop salad, or marinated fish.
Second, let’s taste a white wine from Lebanon, IXSIR Altitudes White 2022 (SRP $25). This unique blend of the unique grapes such as Obeideh, Muscat, and Viognier showcases floral and fruity notes with a balanced, sharp palate and a touch of acidity. Moreover, this highest-altitude winery in Lebanon produces terroir-driven wines from the Batroun region, reflecting the purity and freshness of the Lebanese mountains.
Travel from Europe to South America in a glass. And not any glass, check the Chardonnay Terroir Series Finca Las Piedras 2022 ($53) from Trapiche. This wine combines nectarine, peach, and citrus flavors with a hint of orange blossom. Boldness is introduced by toasted oak, while its creamy consistency encourages indulgence. A refined finish with a touch of salinity characterizes the wine.
Moreover, “Finca Las Piedras” is one of the best representations of Chardonnay from the Uco Valley, specifically from the Los Arboles sub-region. This sub-region between Tupungato and Tunuyán is a very cold site vineyard that imparts high acidity and complexity to this wine. Hence, the wine highlights notes of sea breeze on the nose and pear and apple zest with a soft creamy body and crisp finish; 2021 is just drinking fantastic.
Pairing Recommendation: According to Sommelier Lisbet Lopez, Head Sommelier at Amara at Paraiso restaurant in Miami Florida, a Peruvian Cebiche perfectly pairs with this unique Argentinian Chardonnay. Peruvian Cebiche is a refreshing, zesty seafood dish featuring raw fish marinated in citrus juices. Typically is marinated with lime or lemon, which “cooks” the fish flavored with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers and served with sides like sweet potatoes or corn.
We can only have a complete wine day with wines from around the world if we include one of WineDivaa’s favorite: The Wines of Mexico.
Mexico is the wild west of winemaking. You can find red wines in a funky Petillant Naturel. On this occasion, I invite you to try Pet Mex from Bichi with an open heart. Pet Mex from Bichi Wines is a unique natural sparkling wine from Baja California, Mexico. It’s made using the ancestral method, resulting in a vibrant, slightly effervescent wine with refreshing acidity and a range of fruit flavors. Therefore, this unconventional wine reflects the innovative spirit of Mexican winemaking and is perfect for those seeking a unique tasting experience. Feliz dia nacional del vino!
Get a signed copy of my book! A Guide to Fall in Love with Wines of Mexico
Armenia
Our final stop is Armenia,. I recommend you to explore a wine from internationally-renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs and the Yacoubian family: Yacoubian-Hobbs White 2019 (SRP: $30). On the one hand, this dry white is composed of native armenian grapes such as90% Voskehat, 5% Khatuni, 3% Qrdi, and 2% Garan Demak. By harmonizing the elegance and acidity of the Voskehat variety with the rare, aromatic depths of Khatuni, this white blend emerges as a symphony of complexity, minerality, and enchanting floral notes.
On the other hand the winemaking is pure artistry. Paul Hobbs went to Armenia to produce exceptional, contemporary wines. Alongside the Yacoubian family, Hobbs, uses the native grape varieties grown in the mineral-rich, high-altitude soils of Vayots Dzor, Armenia. The Yacoubian-Hobbs brand features uncommon grape types. Hence, Yacubian-Hobbs will broaden your taste and transform you and your audience into enthusiasts of Armenian wine.
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