Not into bubbly? Toast on NYE with these festive wines instead
photo by rawpixel, via Flickr
Here’s what to drink if you are on the fence about fizz.
For many of us, maintaining a full flute of Champagne throughout the evening on December 31 is as de rigueur as singing “Auld Lang Syne” and kissing someone at midnight. But not everyone is as excited about effervescence. Or maybe you adore sparkling wine but want to mix things up a bit. These wines are just as celebratory to kick off the new year, so let the countdown begin!
Chablis
Why: “Chablis has all of the flavors of Champagne as a still wine,” says Amy Racine, wine director of The Times Square EDITION in New York City. “It’s crisp and highly mineral-driven.”
Bottles to try:
● 2017 Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Côte de Léchet ($35): One of the producer’s rarest Premier Crus has an attractive liveliness yet round texture that drinks well on its own but also works with hors d’oeuvres including oysters and smoked salmon.
● 2017 William Fevre Chablis Champs Royeaux ($22): This wine is an absolute steal for such an elegant, rounded white. You’ve sipped something beautiful AND you still have cab money!
photo by Stephanie McCabe via Unsplash
Sake
Why: With Japan hosting the Olympic Games this summer there is increased interest in all things Japanese. Sake is made in styles ranging from soft, delicate and floral to earthy and richer, and it’s versatile with a lot more than a bento box or sushi platter. “Many people may think sake is good only with Japanese food but good sake can match with so many other cuisines like Spanish tapas or French dishes,” says Kaz Okochi, chef and owner of Kaz Sushi Bistro in Washington, D.C. “Full body sakes go well with mildly spicy foods or deep-fried ones.”
Bottles to try:
● Shata Shuzo Tengumai 50 Junmai Daiginjo ($29): This Daiginjo is brewed with slightly less aging for a light style and body, gentle acidity and smooth texture. It’s a great introduction to the category sipped by itself or with appetizers or small bites.
● Heavensake Junmai 12 ($28): Inspired by the French notion of joie de vivre, this sake is made to be as refreshing as the rosé wines of Provence—floral, light and fruity. It has aromas of salted caramel, kumquats, cacao and almond followed by a round, off-dry palate and bright, fresh finish.
Cru Beaujolais
Why: “Cru Beaujolais are vibrant and bright just like your 2020 will be,” muses Suzanne Riva, wine director at Ainslie in Brooklyn. “They are the types of under-the-radar geek wines that say ‘celebrate’, but also be wiser this year, and of course they are delicious.” She’s partial to Crus from the villages of Morgon, Julienas and Brouilly.
Bottles to try:
● 2017 Château Thivin Brouilly Reverdon ($25): a ripe and vibrant wine with a silky texture and dark cherry flavors.
● 2017 Marcel Lapierre Morgon ($32): a wine that’s fleshy and bright and everything that Cru Beaujolais should be, with flavors of black cherry and plums and dark chocolate.
photo by Liz West via Flickr
Tuscan Reds
Why: “I love going with high acid wines to replicate that mouthfeel we get from brut sparkling wine,” says Chelsie Petras, creator of Chel Loves Wine, a wine blogger and educator. “Acidity is also key when you’re having a lot of different foods because it helps clean off your palate in between bites.” Italian reds from Tuscany are usually based on the sangiovese grape, which is known for its acidity and tart cherry flavors—perfect for a New Year’s Eve party.
Bottles to try:
● 2015 Ruffino Estates Modus IGT Toscana ($25): a firm, yet silky Super Tuscan that’s intense and intriguing, with mature red and black fruits along with touches of sweet spices, tobacco and balsamic.
● 2017 Caposaldo Chianti ($18): Ruby red in the glass with a fruity perfume, smooth texture, excellent structure and long, elegant finish.
Vintage Port
Why: “Feeling more reflective this New Year’s Eve? Sit down next to a crackling fire where you can reminiscence on the 2019 vintage you’ve shared together,” says Todd Nelson, director of marketing for Vineyard Brands. Plus, adds Jeremy Allen, general manager and lead bartender at MiniBar Hollywood, “it’s not something you would open and finish yourself at home in a day or two, so it really is perfect to bring to a party and share with a group.”
Bottles to Try:
● 2015 Quinta de la Rosa Vintage Port ($80): Concentrated and focused on the nose with cherry, ripe plums and berries along with bitter chocolate; the seductive palate shows fruit and chocolate integrated with tannins and an elegant finish.
● 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port ($120): Aromas of black cherry, cassis and blackberry jam along with a hint of crushed mint and violets are joined on the palate by vibrant acidity, structured tannins and berries that carry through to the lengthy finish. A luscious, sexy, age-worthy wine.
photo by Caroline Hernandez via Unsplash
Wines with Cool Packaging / Labeling
Why: While it’s true that wine should be more about substance than style, if there is ever a time to select a bottle based on the vessel in which it’s packaged it should when everyone is all decked out on New Year’s Eve. And just because a wine has a flashy label doesn’t mean the juice inside isn’t amazing. These wines have both.
Bottles to try:
● Wines from importer/distributor Wine MC2. “You can see the joy and the love and lust for life that goes into the bottle,” Allen says. “I’m currently loving on their French Tempranillo called Robot Cochon .”
● Las Jaras: “This is a fun new natural wine producer [from California]...that you immediately want to drink just for the label alone,” says Todd Johnson, beverage director and sommelier for Marsh House and L.A. Jackson in Nashville.
● “Miraval Rosé’s ($20) packaging is the essence of festivity,” says Gregory Doody, president and CEO of Vineyard Brands. “Just looking at the shape of the bottle and holding it in your hands makes you want to celebrate something!”
Need more festive inspiration? Check out the winners of the 2019 Melbourne International and 2019 NY International Wine Competitions. Cheers and happy new year from all of us at Alcohol Professor!