5 of the World’s Most Underappreciated Wines.
Despite having a plethora of information about all things wine, even the most well-connected wine fans haven’t had the opportunity to taste all of the greatest wines currently available on the market.
The reality is that, with so many wines from so many different places throughout the globe, it may be easy for exceptional wines to fall through the cracks – even those from well-known wine regions like Napa Valley.
There are many reasons for this, including a lack of exporting, a saturated market, or just changing consumer preferences in the wine sector. For example, some of the greatest Californian wines may be almost unknown in Europe as a result of the state’s low rate of wine exports to the continent.
Whatever the cause, experimenting with different varietals of lesser-known wines might result in the discovery of numerous hidden jewels for your wine collection.
Are you interested in learning about and tasting wines from across the globe that are relatively obscure yet of outstanding quality? Here are seven of the most underappreciated wines currently available on the market:
- Rioja Gran Reserva from Spain is the first wine on the list.
Rioja Gran Reservas have a dark and brooding scent of espresso blended with spices and hints of cherry and berry that makes them a superb wine that is sometimes neglected by wine enthusiasts.
Gran Reservas are wines that have been matured for more than five years in good wood barrels – in fact, they must be aged for at least five years in order to be designated as a Gran Reserva, with at least two of those years being spent in an oak barrel.
Gran Reservas are often produced from exceptional vintages, elevating the overall quality of the wine above that of other varietals. A variety of barbecue meats, such as beef ribs, lamb chops, red meat, and chicken, match nicely with this powerfully flavored wine.
- Pessac-Leognan white Bordeaux from the Pessac-Leognan appellation.
Bordeaux is famed for its red wines, the release of which is commemorated each year at an occasion known as en primeur (early release). Given how highly regarded Bordeaux’s red wines are among wine enthusiasts all over the globe, the region’s white wines are sometimes disregarded.
White Bordeaux, sometimes known as Bordeaux Blanc, is produced by blending Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes.
The end product is a delightful blend of tastes that includes citrus and flowery notes but is neither acidic nor tropical in nature. Bordeaux Blanc is a great match for meals with basil pesto, salads with citrus dressings, and white finfish such as halibut.
- Dolcetto di Piemonte (Piedmontese Dolcetto).
Dolcetto is a full-bodied and strong wine, although it is sometimes overshadowed by Barbaresco and Barolo, which are both produced in the same area of Italy. Dolcetto is often a rich, romantic crimson or purple color, with aromas of almond, blackberry, and licorice that are distinctive to this wine.
With its youthful appearance, this wine is a delicious “weeknight” red that goes well with pizza and other typical Italian foods.
A wine with low acidity and wonderful aromas of blueberry and tea leaves, Dolcetto pairs well with charcuterie boards and other popular charcuterie dishes.
- Zinfandel from the Napa Valley.
Napa may be known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but this area is also known for producing dependably excellent Zinfandels.
Zinfandel has a fruitier taste than Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as delicious and nuanced characteristics that complement each other.
Zinfandels have a diverse range of flavor profiles that include cherry and plum flavors, as well as cranberry and black pepper overtones, as well as licorice. They are well-liked for their sweet flavor, which is followed by a smokey aftertaste.
Zinfandels from Napa Valley are particularly well-suited to pair with meats because of their complex notes. Consider serving a Zinfandel at your next summertime BBQ for a well-rounded meal that will complement the occasion.
- Monthelie’s Red Burgundy is a standout.
Smaller communities may produce wines that are both great and underappreciated. In many situations, the less well-known villages are located close to the more well-known wine villages. Thus, the wine produced in a small hamlet is often good and much more inexpensive than the wine produced in a larger city.
Truffles, black cherries, spices, pepper, and licorice are just a few of the tastes found in Red Burgundy, which also includes a variety of other fruits and vegetables. As a result, these complex tastes mix nicely with meals that feature cheeses, herbs, mustards, or seafood dishes that are influenced by Asian cuisine.
Chasselas from Switzerland are number six on the list.
Switzerland produces just a little amount of wine, but the wines that do come from the country are of remarkable quality. Chasselas that are dry are often scented with mountain smells and fruity overtones. Apple blossom, melon, mint, and a smokey finish are some of the tastes you’ll find in their blends.
Combining Chasselas with alpine food such as a grilled lake or river fish, cheeses prepared in the manner of fondue or garlic prawns will allow you to experience the wine in its purest form.
- Reds from the island of Corsica.
A special joy and complexity may be found in the reds produced on the island of Corsica. They might also be shockingly appealing to people of a certain age.
These earthy wines combine well with a wide variety of cuisines, including grilled chicken dishes, antelope, pork chops, beef rolls, stroganoff, and even black pudding (for the adventurous). Red wines from Corsica will convey the warm, drowsy charm of the island where they are grown, no matter what you serve them with or how you serve them.
Trying out some new wines.
When it comes to wine, there is a time and a place for traditional varietals, but it may be invigorating to try some of the lesser-known wines of the globe. In order to avoid sticking in your comfort zone, go out into the unknown and taste some of the undervalued wines that you may have been missing out on all this time.
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