New wine regions and styles to explore this summer and beyond…. and why
Everyone has their favourite styles of wine … dry, sweet, sparkling… and countries or regions they favour. Some love New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc while others adore Prosecco. There are Chardonnay lovers and then there is the ABC gang (anything but Chardonnay!).
Whatever your preferred wine, I do believe that experimenting a bit with new styles and regions can only help. So here is a list of wines for you to consider. They are either currently the rage and beloved of sommeliers, or up-and-coming worth tasting if you can get your hands on a bottle or two. All might now be easily available in India, but do add them to your Wine little black book, and seek them out if you get the chance to (while travelling abroad, or asking your fave cousin when he visits India).
The wines of Jumilla and Yecla are structured and hold appeal to lovers of Rioja and Ribera del Duero – at a fraction of their cost.
Jumilla DO and Yecla DO, Spain
When it comes to Spanish wines, the structured wines of Rioja are on everyone’s list. Ditto Ribera del Duero. But lovers of fuller-bodied reds might find the prices of these beauties a little high. That is why they should look to the wines of Jumilla and Yecla in the Murcia region of Spain. Full-bodied, oak-driven reds from the Monastrell grape (with some Garnacha and Tempranillo) dominate these wines.
Known earlier for easy-drinking wines, the Murcia DOs have reinvented themselves and are making highly-rated wines.
A small selection is available in India.
Wines of Sicily including Etna DOC
For many decades, Sicily, the large island at the foot of Italy, was known as a provider of bulk wines to cooler regions that struggled to ripen their grapes. No more. Sicily has come into its own and how. While the island of Sicily is noted for its wines made from native grapes, black and white – Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Frappato, Insolia, and Cattarato – and the much-lauded wines from the volcanic DOC, Etna, boasts of nuanced wines made from Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.
Now on many wine bar and restaurant lists around the world, several Sicilian wines are now available in India.
English sparkling wine
A few years ago, when people heard the word English sparkling wine, they would look surprised. No longer, as these sparkling beauties have been beating their fizzy counterparts (read Champagne) in blind-tasting competitions. Sharing similar grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier) and soil (chalk, similar to that found in Champagne), England is one country that is reaping positive benefits from climate change. Not cheap, but some absolute stunners worth picking up on a visit to the UK. Not available in India yet.
Shades of Languedoc-Rousillon
Ah, Languedoc. What can one say about a region which is finally getting its moment in the sun? The diversity of the warm Mediterranean climate and soil, lets Languedoc become a master of virtually every style of wine and lets it successfully grow a whole host of grapes. Think pink, sparkling, structured reds or ripe, delicious whites – and more – Languedoc has them all. And yes, some excellent producers are available with several Indian importers. At great prices too. Seek them out, you won’t regret it.
Provence rosés
Pink wines are no longer a fad or a woman-only drink. The segment has been growing fast and furious everywhere in the world, with the lovely pale pinks from Provence at the top of the heap. After all, when biz-savvy celebrities like Brad Pitt, Kylie, and John Legend put their names to rosé wines, it would seem to be the perfect pour.
Perfect for summer, and the best match with Indian food of all types. A good selection of Provence rosés is now available in India.
Pink prosecco
Everybody’s beloved brunch-time fizz now comes in a delicious pink avatar. Rosé prosecco was recognized by the Prosecco DOC Consorzio in 2020, and these are perfect in many ways. Yes, some are also available in India. Pick one up, chill, and pop – you will love it.
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