Have you ever tried a red wine from Lebanon or a white wine that was produced on a bed of straw in South Africa? When buying wine, it is easy to choose wines that we already know, from regions that we are familiar with. However, there are so many wines that are produced around the world that have distinct tones and unique flavours, despite being made with the same grape varieties found in regions of France. Read on to discover 10 winter wines worth tasting that we bet you’ve never heard of.
1. Chateau Musar
Chateau Musar is a wine producer in Lebanon, which was granted organic certification for its vineyards in 2006. The vineyards are found between two mountain ranges next to Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast in Bekka Valley. The Chateau Musar reds are made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault, which is what gives them their dense, rich fruity tones. Despite being a Bordeaux blend, Chateau Musar red is aromatic and full of flavour, making the perfect partner for hearty winter dishes.
2. Chateau Pucari
Chateau Purcari is produced on the Pucari estate which is found 30 km away from the Black Sea in Moldova. This region established itself as a successful wine region from as early as 1827 and has been producing fantastic wines ever since. The Chateau Pucari red is made from the Nara Neagra grape variety, which makes the wine into a light bodied fruity red, which is easily enjoyed with creamy pasta dishes.
3. 2016 Mullineux Straw Wine
What makes this South African wine interesting is the fact that the grapes are dried on beds of straw and then pressed, which is what gives them such an individual sweet flavour. This is the perfect wine to enjoy with cheeses after a hearty winter dish. The wine boasts a complex blend of peaches and apricots with marzipan and nutty aromas.
4. Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley
Today, Willamette Valley is a leading wine region and is recognised as one of America’s best Pinot Noir producers. The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is inky dark, yet holds soft fruity tones, which makes it extremely adaptable with many winter foods. Although it is not yet widely known in France, the Willamette Valley is recognised as a top wine producer for Pinot Noir.
5. New Zealand Chardonnay
When we think of Chardonnay, we often think of Burgundy which is where the grape variety originates. However, today it can be grown all over the world, with New Zealand being one of the best producers. The diversity of the grape reflects the diversity of the regions in New Zealand, which allows them to produce a wide range of Chardonnay styles. Notably, 2013 Bilancia Chardonnay is a fine example. It has smoky yet floras tones, making it a wonderful pairing with fish or smoked salmon.
6. 2015 Moser Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Ningxia
Next on the list is a wine from China. The Moser Family Cabernet Sauvignon was developed in conjunction with Lenz Moser, who is from the famous Austrian wine family. Ningxia was chosen as the best wine producing region given the fact that it has extremely similar conditions to the Mendoza wine region in Argentina, in terms of wine and soil. This ambitious wine holds a rigid structure with refined fruity tones.
7. Fino Sherry
Although sherry is not unusual, it is not in fashion and is therefore undervalued despite it being such a versatile and affordable drink. Fino is a dry sherry made from Palomino grape, which has tones of Mediterranean herbs and almonds. The salinity makes it a perfect choice for an aperitif to be enjoyed alongside nuts and olives.
8. Cremant de Limoux
With so many champagnes on offer, it is easy to fall into the trap of buying a low quality expensive bottle. Cremant de Limoux is a French sparkling wine that is made from the same traditional method of champagne, yet does not have the huge price tag alongside it. This fresh sparkling wine has an extremely distinctive taste of wild countryside and light fruits, making it the perfect party drink.
9. Dry Furmint
Furmint is a white Hungarian wine grape that is most famous for a sweet dessert wine called Tokaj aszu. However, it can also be used to make dry wine, which is the perfect wine to serve alongside dishes that lead up to dessert. This highly acidic wine is a perfect partner for rich winter dishes, which are also balanced by the wine’s nutty mineral tones.
10. Gusbourne Estate Wine
Although England is not widely known as a wine producing country, Gusbourne Estate, which is found 20 metres above sea level in the south of England, produces some incredible wines that must be tasted. The Gusbourne Estate red has a unique savoury edge that combines fruity tones with warming vanilla and hints of spice, making it the perfect winter warming wine.
One of the best places to discover these and more new winter wines is at our weekly Wine auction. The variety is vast and new auctions begin every Friday. If you'd prefer to try selling your wine online, this is also possible. With just one account you can bid and sell your wine at our auctions. Everyone is welcome to offer up their special bottles for auction!
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