Shop Featured Markdowns
In the vast and diverse world of wine, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. While renowned varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot dominate the market, there exists a realm of unique wines that offer distinctive flavors, histories, and experiences. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a journey with us as we unveil some of the lesser-known yet remarkable wines that deserve your attention.
Nestled in the Aegean Sea, the island of Santorini is home to one of Greece’s most prized grape varieties – Assyrtiko. Known for its vibrant acidity, mineral character, and citrusy notes, Assyrtiko thrives in the island’s volcanic soil and windy climate. Crafted into bone-dry white wines with a distinct saline quality, Assyrtiko offers a refreshing and unique expression of terroir. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with seafood dishes, Assyrtiko embodies the essence of Greek viticulture and coastal charm.
Venture to Spain’s northern coast, and you’ll encounter Txakoli (pronounced “chah-koh-lee”), a crisp and slightly effervescent wine that hails from the Basque Country. Produced primarily from the indigenous Hondarrabi Zuri grape, Txakoli dazzles with its lively acidity, subtle fruitiness, and spritzy mouthfeel. Traditionally poured from a height to enhance its natural fizz, Txakoli is a delightful accompaniment to pintxos (Basque tapas) and seafood delicacies. With its distinctive profile and regional charm, Txakoli offers a refreshing departure from conventional white wines.
In the rolling hills of Uruguay, Tannat reigns supreme as the country’s flagship grape variety. Originally hailing from southwest France, Tannat has found its second home in Uruguay, where it thrives in the country’s temperate climate and fertile soils. Renowned for its robust tannins, deep color, and bold flavors of dark fruit and spice, Uruguayan Tannat produces wines of exceptional depth and character. Whether enjoyed in its youthful exuberance or with years of cellaring, Tannat showcases the full potential of South American winemaking and terroir expression.
Delve into the northern reaches of Greece, and you’ll discover Xinomavro, a red grape variety with a long history and a cult following among wine aficionados. Grown predominantly in the Naoussa region of Macedonia, Xinomavro yields wines of remarkable complexity, marked by high acidity, firm tannins, and flavors reminiscent of dark cherries, tomatoes, and herbs. Often compared to Nebbiolo due to its tannic structure and aging potential, Xinomavro offers a tantalizing glimpse into Greece’s winemaking heritage and its capacity for producing age-worthy red wines.
Nestled in the foothills of the Zemplén Mountains, Tokaj is renowned for its historic sweet wines made from Furmint, a versatile grape variety that thrives in the region’s volcanic soils. While Tokaji Aszú remains the crown jewel of Tokaj’s wine production, dry Furmint wines are garnering attention for their elegance, complexity, and ability to reflect the terroir of the region. With its vibrant acidity, nuanced aromatics, and potential for aging, dry Furmint offers a captivating alternative to more familiar white wine styles, making it a must-try for adventurous oenophiles.
Shop our collection of Furmint here!
Nestled along the shores of Lake Neusiedl in Austria’s easternmost region of Burgenland, Blaufränkisch thrives in the unique microclimate characterized by warm, sunny days and cool, breezy nights. This indigenous grape variety produces red wines of exceptional elegance, marked by vibrant acidity, supple tannins, and enticing notes of dark berries, spice, and earth. With its ability to express a wide range of terroirs, from gravelly plains to limestone slopes, Blaufränkisch offers a captivating glimpse into Austria’s winemaking heritage and its potential for crafting age-worthy red wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest. Whether enjoyed in its youth or with years of aging, Blaufränkisch showcases the richness and complexity of Austrian viticulture, making it a must-try for adventurous wine enthusiasts seeking new horizons.
Shop our collection of Blaufränkisch here!
Exploring the world of unique wines is a rewarding endeavor that broadens our palates and deepens our appreciation for the diversity of terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Santorini to the misty hills of Tokaj, each bottle tells a story of place, culture, and craftsmanship. By venturing beyond the familiar and embracing the uncharted, we open ourselves to a world of discovery and delight.Â
Shop our complete collection or get in touch with one of our fine wine experts for personalized wine recommendations and more.
Thinking of insuring a wine collection? Most homeowners policies aren’t built for this, but professional storage is here to help.
Temperature gets all the attention in wine storage, but wine humidity is just as critical. Here’s what goes wrong when it’s not controlled.
When your futures allocation finally arrives, where it goes first matters. Professional storage should be step one of storing wine futures.
Explore our wine storage program, collection management tools, and wine pickup and delivery services.Â
