Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Nebbiolo: these iconic grapes from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rioja, and Barolo have earned their reputations for good reason. They deliver a luxurious tapestry of flavors and textures, harmonizing beautifully in a glass, while also showing a remarkable ability to evolve and mature over time. But let’s not box ourselves into a corner; the world of wine is packed with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
According to wine expert Jancis Robinson, there are 1,368 commercial grape varieties documented in her book, *Wine Grapes*. The International Organization of Vine and Wine estimates that there are around 10,000 different varieties grown worldwide. That’s a staggering array of options, and while it can feel overwhelming, we’ve curated a selection of top red wine alternatives that are ready to broaden your horizons.
Swap Nebbiolo for Grignolino
Nebbiolo reigns supreme in Barolo and Barbaresco, two esteemed wine regions in Italy’s enchanting Piedmont. Dubbed “the king of wines,” Nebbiolo greets you with captivating rose aromas before dropping tannins that demand respect and patience; it often requires a decade or more to showcase its real character fully.
If Nebbiolo feels a bit formidable, consider Grignolino, a delightful alternative from Piedmont, specifically the Monferrato hills. With its vibrant pale red hue akin to a dark rosé, Grignolino is a refreshing take. This grape gets its name from “grignolè,” which means seeds in Italian—fitting, given its unusual characteristic of bearing far more seeds than most varieties. Unlike its more aggressive counterpart, Grignolino is traditionally made with a shorter maceration period to soften its tannins.
Packed with bright notes of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranate, it captures the essence of Italy while offering a lighter touch. It’s perfect for summer sipping, enjoyed either at room temperature or slightly chilled. Imagine pairing it with a crisp strawberry spinach salad or a light crab pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mint—simple, yet utterly satisfying.
Pinot Noir becoming pricey? Pick Spätburgunder or Poulsard
Burgundy, with its exceptional wines, is equally renowned for its steep prices, sometimes reaching astronomical sums at auctions. While savoring a grand old Burgundy is a luxury, it’s not always feasible. That’s where Spätburgunder comes in; this is the German name for Pinot Noir, translating to “late Burgundy” due to its leisurely ripening process and often lighter touch.
Characterized as ethereal and mineral-driven, Spätburgunder can often be enjoyed right away, making it an excellent choice if you’re not willing to wait for the perfect moment. If you seek something even more daring, explore Poulsard from the Jura region of France. With its delicate perfume and low tannins, Poulsard offers a fun contrast to Pinot Noir, perfect for those who appreciate nuances in flavor.
Imagine enjoying a glass of Poulsard alongside a plate of creamy Comté cheese and savory smoked sausage—what a way to elevate a weeknight dinner!
Tired of Tempranillo? Try Mencía
Tempranillo often steals the spotlight in Spain, recognized for its bold, fruit-forward character, complemented by earthiness and hints of oak thanks to its aging in American barrels. It’s undeniably delicious, but perhaps a little too heavy-handed for your taste.
Enter Mencía, a lesser-known grape that shines brightly in the Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, and Valdeorras areas of northwest Spain. Álvaro Palacios, a pioneer in revitalizing Spanish wines, discovered Mencía’s potential in Bierzo in the early 2000s. Thanks to the region’s unique terrain, Mencía boasts aromatic complexity, delivering floral, fruity, and licorice notes that invigorate your palate.
What sets Mencía apart is its versatility with food. Whether you’re enjoying roasted red beets or a gourmet duck breast drizzled with berry glaze, this medium-bodied wine handles the journey beautifully. You’ll find it effortlessly accompanies a wide range of meals, from elegant dinners to casual barbecues.
Trade Bordeaux blends for Portuguese reds
Bordeaux blends, such as those crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, are classic choices, especially when paired with a perfectly grilled steak. Their robust tannins help cut through the meat’s richness, making each bite and sip an exquisite experience.
However, if you’re looking to break away from tradition, why not explore the captivating reds from Portugal? These wines often offer a unique twist and can deliver richness alongside striking flavors, making them just as delightful with meats but with their own distinctive flair.
With countless wine varieties to explore, your next favorite might be lurking just out of sight. Let your palate be your guide, and happy drinking!The Bordeaux region has long held the crown for producing some of the world’s finest wines, a legacy partly rooted in the infamous Classification of 1855. This historic ranking, commissioned by Napoleon III for the Exposition Universelle, categorized Bordeaux’s most prestigious estates, thereby creating a notable price and quality divide between these elite producers and the numerous lesser-known ones in the region. While it’s tempting to buy Bordeaux to say you own a piece of that heritage, many lesser blends simply slink in the shadows of the big names, leaving the curious wine lover wanting for something that truly excites.
That’s where Portugal’s Douro Valley shines. Imagine sipping on a vibrant red blend that doesn’t put a huge dent in your wallet. The Douro is not only one of the oldest regulated wine regions—established in 1756—but it’s also packed with quality offerings at refreshingly affordable prices. Initially renowned for its sweet Port wines, made from grapes like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, the region has evolved to deliver incredible dry table wines since the DOC expanded way back in 1979. If you’re a value-seeker, this is where you’ll find some hidden gems.
Douro reds are often bursting with flavors like cherry, blackberry, and plum, intertwined with earthy, leathery notes reminiscent of a classic Bordeaux. You’ll find a range of styles here: some are fresh and unoaked, while others are savory and spiced, catering to a variety of palates. This versatility means you can enjoy a Douro red with anything from a weekday pasta dish to a special occasion roast, making it a fantastic everyday wine.
Wines to Try
2021 Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta Grignolino d’Asti ($21)
This wine is a delightful twist on traditional Nebbiolo. It serves up a symphony of raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate, accented by savory white pepper and a hint of rose water. It’s light enough to pair with a fresh salad but has that earthy grip to hold its own against a hearty pasta sauce.
2020 Heitz Cellar Grignolino ($25)
Coming from Napa Valley, this version is a touch warmer, vibrant with strawberry fruit and earthy rhubarb. It strikes a perfect balance, delivering a spicy character that makes you wonder how you can score such quality at this price from a well-known name.
2022 Meyer-Näkel Spätburgunder ($39)
If you love delicate wines, this northern Ahr gem is for you. Picture pulling out a glass filled with red currant and cherry fruits, layered with subtle clove spice and floral violet notes. With zesty acidity and a refreshing minerality, it’s a winning choice on its own or alongside roast chicken and mushrooms.
2020 Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes ($58)
This classic Poulsard beautifully showcases tart cran-raspberry flavors blended with earthy leather and mushroom funk. It’s smooth and lighter-bodied yet offers a touch of backbone, resulting in a wine that’s incredibly versatile, especially when complemented by savory, herbal dishes.
2022 Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos Vinas Viejas ($27)
Crafted by Álvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo, this red is a delightful fusion of red fruit and earthy tones, spiced with black pepper. Picture enjoying this easy-drinking wine with a juicy burger, but don’t be shy—its finesse allows it to shine with roast veal too.
2019 Demencia de Autor Demencia Mencía ($41)
This enchanting wine features layers of black cherry and blackberry fruit, paired with earthy notes of star anise and a whisper of olive tapenade. It’s smooth and silky, making it an ideal companion to charcuterie or baked Mediterranean fish drizzled with white-wine cream, roasted tomatoes, and olives.
2022 Altano DOC Douro Red ($16)
Created with everyday drinking in mind, this wine by Charles Symington and Pedro Correia offers immense value without sacrificing quality. With a blend of 40% Touriga Franca, 30% Tinta Roriz, and 30% Tinta Barroca, expect spiced red plum flavors and violets, all wrapped in velvety cocoa tannins that beckon for multiple glasses.
2016 Quinta do Ataíde Vinha do Arco ($41)
Another masterwork by Symington and Correia, this bold wine made from 100% Touriga Nacional is layered with ripe blackberries and plums infused with rose florals and well-integrated vanilla oak. It’s savory and focused—a nuanced red that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with even the finest Cabernets.
Image Source: Unsplash
