One of the great things about wine is that you are always finding new wines that you may have never heard of. The not so great thing about wine you have never heard of is not knowing what they will taste like. That’s why we’re here to help… here is a cheat sheet to great wines you’ve never heard of that Spuntino is loving right now!
Sparkling
Try Cava if you love Prosecco
Cava is Spain’s answer to Italy’s Prosecco or France’s Champagne. Cava offers light, refreshing and zesty bubbles that will remind you of Prosecco and will be a fraction of the cost of champagne.
Find it on Spuntino’s Wine List: L’Atzar Cava & Pere Ventura Tresor Cava Rosé
White Wines
Try Kerner if you love Riesling
Kerner was once usually found in Germany, but has now been a popular grape in Northern Italy. You will enjoy the fresh and fruity flavors you usually find in Rieslings but with less acidity.
Find it on Spuntino’s Wine List: Castelfeder Kerner
Try Ribolla Gialla if you love Pinot Grigio
If you are wanting to switch up your usual go to Pinot Grigio, give Ribolla Gialla a chance. Ribolla Gialla will give you flavors of baked apple and tangerine in this fresh tasting wine.
Find it on Spuntino’s Wine List: Le Monde Ribolla Gialla
Try Xarel Lo if you love Unoaked Chardonnay
Xarel Lo grapes and wine are produced in Spain. You will find this grape in Cava but try it on its own to experience this unique and unknown wine. You will enjoy the similar flavors that you find in an unoaked chardonnay like green apple, lemon and sometimes pineapple with a long finish.
Find it on Spuntino’s Wine List: Albet I Noya Xarel Lo
Red Wines
Try Ruche if you love Zinfandel
Ruche is a unique wine that often has flavors of pepper, black cherries and cinnamon, with moderately high tannins which you usually are able to find in a traditional Zinfandel.
Find it on Spuntino’s Wine List: Montalbera Ruche
Try Corvina if you love California Cabernet Sauvignon
If your usual go-to wine is a traditional California Cabernet, you will enjoy the flavors of Corvina. Corvina wines have a tart, red cherry fruit flavor and sometimes a hint of chocolate. Order this wine with a hearty pizza and you will not regret your decision!
Find it on Spuntino’s Wine List: Scaia Corvina
Try Meritage if you love Syrah
A Red Meritage is a blend of two of more of red Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, or Merlot to name a few. These big flavored grapes make for a big flavored red wine that may include flavors of sweet tobacco, cedar, wood smoke, and brown sugar.
Find it on Spuntino’s Wine List: Newton ‘Claret’ Meritage
Life’s too short to miss out on great wine, so make sure to try these great wines you’ve never heard of!
