Beyond the Ordinary

As wine lovers, we often find ourselves seeking new and unique flavors to excite our taste buds. While the classic grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are always a safe choice, there are a plethora of intriguing wines made from lesser-known grape varieties that are waiting to be discovered.

Take the Assyrtiko grape, for example, which is indigenous to the Greek island of Santorini. This grape produces a crisp and refreshing white wine with notes of citrus and minerality, making it the perfect accompaniment to seafood dishes. Another grape to keep on your radar is the Albariño, hailing from the lush, green vineyards of Spain's Rías Baixas region. This grape produces a bright and zesty white wine with hints of peach and apricot that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables and spicy Asian cuisine.

Moving onto reds, have you tried the spicy and smoky Syrah grape from the Northern Rhône region in France? This full-bodied red wine is bold and complex, with notes of black pepper and dark fruits that pair well with rich, meaty dishes. Another intriguing grape is the Sagrantino, grown exclusively in the Umbria region of Italy. This grape produces a robust and tannic wine with flavors of blackberry and plum, making it a great pairing for hearty stews and roasted meats.

So next time you're in the mood for a wine adventure, why not step outside of your comfort zone and try a bottle made from an unfamiliar grape variety? You just might discover a new favorite.