Wines that Go Outside the Norm

Hey there! Do you want to come with us on a fun little wine adventure? We’re in the mood to experience something a tad different, maybe even uncommon, if you will. We all love our staple Cabernet Sauvignons and Rosés, but every now and then, we think it’s fun to dip our toes outside of the ordinary. Sometimes, it’s fun to explore those grapes that you don’t hear about every day – the ones that will even impress that fancy wine aunt in your life!

Uncommon wines are so much fun to explore, and we can’t keep this excitement to ourselves. So join us, won’t you? We’re going to take a look at wines for those who have already tried everything else and are ready to expand their pallet. Or, maybe you’re a little uncommon yourself, and we think that’s pretty cool too. Either way, there are a variety of wines out there for us to talk about, so let’s discover a few of them now!

Uncommon Wines 

It would be nearly impossible to list every single uncommon wine out there in the world, so we’ve selected seven of our favorites to give shout-outs to.

Bordeaux

For those that enjoy the rich, bold depth of a California Cab, you’ll probably also enjoy the full-bodied smokiness of a classic Bordeaux. This wine, although not widely known in the US, is a classic French wine that has been produced in France for several thousand years. This is an excellent choice for red lovers who want to add some extra “oomph” to their wine collection. It is one of the most famous blends in the world and is often a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot – and on some occasions, Cab Franc.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo means “little early one” in Spanish, and is a varietal from Spain that has quite a unique flavor profile. Depending on the amount of time that it’s been aged, this Spanish beauty can draw notes of cherry and tomato or plum and leather. It is the third most popularly grown grape in the world, so it’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong when choosing a quality bottle of this fine Spanish wine. 

Lambrusco

A glass of something bubbly and refreshing is ideal for any celebration – even if that celebration is making it through the work day. Take that celebration to another fun level with Italy’s sparkling red wine, Lambrusco! While we all love a nice Champagne or Prosecco, Lambrusco has that added intrigue of being red and sparkly with an interesting and delicious layer of flavors that its white counterparts don’t have. 

Barbera

Say hello to your new favorite easy-drinking wine, Barbera. This medium-bodied wine encompasses what people love about light and heavier red wines, as it offers the lovely, fruity aromas of a lighter wine with a more substantial structure. This is that perfect middle ground for all of your friends with different tastes in wine! Enjoy it with a brick oven pizza for a wine pairing made in foodie heaven.

Coteaux Bourguignons

Grown in the Burgundy region of France, Coteaux Bourguignons is an incredible wine with an appealing, light red color and a lovely full flavor. It draws on notes of fresh herbs and juicy, ripe blueberries. When wine comes from one of the oldest, most well-renowned, wine-producing regions in the world, you know that it’s worth a try! Our Coteaux Bourguignons is a combination of Pinot Noir and Gamay, you won't want to miss it. 

Viognier

White wine lovers, rejoice! This one is for you. This full-bodied white hails from southern France and offers a lovely range of aromas including tangerine, mango, honeysuckle, and rose. If you are a fan of Chardonnay, Voignier should definitely be on your radar. It pairs beautifully with rich, buttery foods and aromatic cheeses. Remember Viognier for your holiday dinners, yum!

Vermentino

Vermentino is a refreshing white wine that is grown exclusively along the coast of Italy on the island of Sardinia. Don't be fooled by its crisp nature, as this wine has a lovely complexity that is similar to a Sauvignon Blanc. With flavors of green apple and grapefruit, Vermentino pairs incredibly well with lighter dishes including proteins such as chicken and white fish. 

Sometimes, it’s nice to take a step out of your wine comfort zone and discover a varietal that’s a little uncommon. We’re delighted that you came on this adventure with us today! So, get out there and start discovering – and don’t be afraid to be a little uncommon!