Happy New Year, let's hope 2022 is happy and prosperous for one and all.

A time for new starts and resolutions? January is a great opportunity to form new habits, burn off the festive excess with your new gym membership or learn a new skill – so why not browse our WSET courses launching in 2022.

January can also feel, well… a little dull and lacking excitement. So let us help, we are promoting #tryjanuary this year and this blog will highlight a few of our most eclectic wines from our diverse portfolio for you to try. Best served in good company, fireside or with your favourite hearty winter meal. For those looking to abstain, also see our low and no suggestions to keep things fresh and exciting.

Wines

GaluvalCaladoc 'Les Cepages Locaux'

Caladoc is a relatively unknown variety from the south of France, a cross between Malbec and Grenache. The principal distinguishing feature of this variety is its dense, almost black colour. It is also recognisable for its aromas of very ripe red fruit and a slight spiciness. In the mouth it is concentrated and very fruit forward with a superb tannic structure. This wine is new in and absolutely in the spirit of #tryjanuary.

Punset Ne? Bianco

A blend of Arneis, Favorita and Cortese, local grapes in Piedmont, that are aged in concrete vats. Rich and fruity on the nose displaying floral notes and white fruit flavours of banana and pear. This fruity sensation transitions in the mouth to deeper notes of honey, butter and a light acidity that swiftly cleanses the palate. Well-structured with good balance. This Organically certified estate was the first Italian estate to receive organic status and we believe a real must to try.

Hahndorf Hill Blueblood Blaufrankisch

This cool climate region is defined by cool nights and warm days and lower than average January temperatures (by Australian standards). This allows the boutique winery Hahndorf Hills to focus on the Austrian cool climate varieties and produce a range of food friendly versatile wines. Summed up it can be described as a blueberry pie with notes of black cherries! The palate is silky smooth with a tumble of berries, gentle spice and a smudge of caramel, all perfectly wrapped in generous yet gentle tannin.

Domaine Sorin de France Saint Bris

Half way between Sancerre and Chablis! This is Sauvignon from Burgundy, a few kilometres south of the Chablis AOC Saint Bris is the only Burgundy AOC that allows Sauvignon Blanc or Gris in the wines. This is subtle Sauvignon without the pronounced flavours of popular new world examples. Again, very much in the spirit of this blog and our last wine top tip for #tryjanuary.

Low or No Alcohol

Salcombe NLL

Making waves in the low and no category, ‘New London Light’ (NLL) is a bold and refreshing non-alcoholic spirit with its delicious full body, complex layers and thirst-quenching zest and setting a new standard in this category. Best served with the tonic of your choice and an orange wedge.

Vilarnau 0.0% Organic Sparkling White

A sophisticated sparkling with elegant bubbles and notes of green apple, blossom, verbena, citrus, almond and cream. Celebrating in style without the alcohol and with fewer calories; we’ll raise a glass to that! When a world-famous sparkling wine producer puts its reputation on the line and creates an alcohol-free version, you know it’s going to be something special, this is very much in the spirit of #tryjanuary and the blog too.

Walt LO - Low Alcohol Riesling

100% German Riesling, without any flavours added, ensuring authentic and outstanding palatability. The wine was vinified in stainless steel tanks prior to undergoing a dealcoholisation process.  Showcasing a fresh, lively character, well balanced and mouth-watering acidity this is a refreshing change and also in the spirit of our #tryjanuary blog.

We hope you enjoy the rest of your winter hibernation and we look forward to the excitement of springtime!