In the month of abstinence, Thirsty’s Elodie Cameron suggests trying something new instead
It’s that time of year when we have overindulged and feel the need to brush away the cobwebs and start afresh – hence our desire to start the year full of good intentions and a pocket full of New Year’s resolutions. Most of us wake up on 1 January either hungover or carrying a couple of unnecessary Christmas kilos and we immediately feel the need to hit the road running with some type of drastic action.
Unfortunately we set ourselves up for failure all too easily at this time of year; unused gym memberships spring to mind, abandoned early morning runs, failed diets, giving up alcohol… This year how about we forget Dry January and go for Try January instead!
Yes, new year is an obvious time for renewal and a new fresh outlook but rather than cutting out the things we love, how about simply giving them a new perspective? I love to indulge in Try January. It encourages us to rethink making changes to our lives, and of course I think this is equally applicable to wine. Don’t give it up; you will end up spending too much time thinking about what you can’t have and ultimately fail in your initially positive endeavours.
Use January as a time to promise yourself to try something new each week: how much more fun (and positive) is that! Buy a bottle of something you wouldn’t usually select and move out of your comfort zone, especially if you are prone to choosing the same wine over and over. Most importantly ask for advice and discover something new. This is a great time to support independent retailers – the people who go the extra mile to find you something interesting and different.
Four wines to try this January
Here are four suggestions to keep you going this month. These wines are all new to Thirsty and have been chosen for their individuality and style.
Pinot Grigio, Villa Locatelli £13.40
This is definitely PG with a difference, richer and fuller bodied than you would expect, so set aside your preconceptions and give it a go. Subtle fruit aromas of apricot and peach and a hint of melon. Great to try with simple fish dishes.
Ouest Coast Blanc Le Fief Noir £19.90
This Chenin Blanc is born out of a philosophy of two winemakers in the Loire, Dominique and Alexis, passionate about the dark schist soils of their vineyards. They want the world to know about the power and complexity this gives to their wines. The purity of this wine is immediate; not only does it show citrus and fresh pineapple notes, there is also minerality in abundance.
Onde Rythmique, Despagne, Bordeaux £17.90
To simply say this is a Bordeaux Blend is to do a disservice to this wine. There is a sense of time and place here, where the winemaker knows his ‘terroir’ and respects the rhythms of nature. The result is evident a fresh, fragrant Cabernet Franc coupled with juicy Merlot and a hint of pepper.
Poggio Alla Guardia, Maremma Toscana £19.90
This is just too moreish; plums, chocolate, herbs and spice. As this wine is unoaked the blueberry and blackberry fruit and mineral notes shine through but don’t be fooled: this is a full-bodied wine that stands up well to hearty Italian food. Dive in…
