Are you putting your shopping list together for that upcoming holiday gathering? Next time you take that trip to the liquor store, why not try expanding your horizons to include some new wines that you may have been hesitant about trying before? It’s time to surprise your taste buds!
- For those who enjoy the taste of White Zinfandel, a nice Riesling is a great intro into the world of sweeter wines. Riesling has the fruitier aromas of nectarines, apricots, honey-crisp apples and pears. Its touch of tartness is due to its higher acidity level. There is a large variety of Rieslings to sample at different price points, so no worries about spending too much on one bottle. Not quite ready to leave the comfort of white Zinfandel yet? Try a Red Zinfandel. The red skin of the grape included in this wine provides a more robust flavor.
- While everyone’s go-to white wine always seems to be Chardonnay, there are a few other great whites to try that may make you reconsider. Instead, try Côtes du Rhône, which is made of a completely different blend of grapes than Chardonnay. Côtes du Rhône offers both red and white varieties, sure to please party guests. Another excellent choice is a Sauvignon Blanc, which has a great complexity with herbal and tart notes.
- Other popular wines for those who crave something sweeter include Moscato and Sauternes, which comes from the region of Bordeaux with the same name. This wine has a more distinct flavor than your average sweet wine due to its unique geographical attribute. It’s made from a mixture of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by a fungus that typically causes souring. Fortunately, the weather in the Sauternes region helps the fungus take on a sweet complexity instead. Port wine is another sweet choice worth a pour.
- And if you’re getting tired of the same bottle of Merlot, than branch out and try an alternate label Merlot. It’s true that some varieties can be extremely fruity, which isn’t always a bad thing. There are several types of Merlot that possess deep, rich flavors. Don’t ever underestimate a Merlot! Explore different brands and pair it with a chargrilled steak or fish.
