January is the month of resolutions, and we heard some folks are going dry for January. Us, too! After all, nothing beats a glass of bone dry wine to relax after a long day. *wink wink, nudge nudge, tongue planted firmly in cheek*
January is the month of resolutions, and we heard some folks are going dry for January. Us, too! After all, nothing beats a glass of bone dry wine to relax after a long day. *wink wink, nudge nudge, tongue planted firmly in cheek*
What exactly is a dry wine, you ask? Wines are considered dry when they contain less residual sugar, meaning less than ten grams per liter. This is accomplished when yeast has more time to consume sugar during the fermentation process. The longer fermentation cuts down the sugar content while increasing alcohol, and that's what makes a dry wine dry!
For our white wine drinkers, Jackie Chardonnay is a beautiful label made for ABC in honor of the prestigious California winemaker, Jackie Bailes. This medium-bodied chardonnay is made by Mayan Koschitzky, who has emerged as a force in Napa Valley as a progressive winemaker and consultant. Jackie is a wonderful choice for those who love the crispness of dry wine, but want something that's smooth and fruity instead of earthy and heavy. The wine’s aroma presents with pear and cinnamon swirled with oak, which opens to flavors of melon and citrus.
Silver Lining Pinot Noir is a semi-dry red wine created by winemaker Steven Decosta in California. The pinot has soft, supple tannins and fresh berry aromas with a palate of dark cherry flavors balanced with vanilla and oak. This wine is a great choice for those who love drinking dry, but still enjoy a fruit-forward red wine. Even better, the pinot’s complex taste profile comes at an extremely affordable price point, making it a fantastic option to enjoy all month long.
Closerie Du Bailli Grande Reserve is a delightful dry French merlot and a must-try for Dry January. It is vinified from 70% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc grown in clay and chalk soils. The wine is a beautiful, deep color with a rich, full aroma dominated by oak and a blend of ripe, red berries. This reserve wine is earthy and has just the right amount of tannins to be considered dry. It pairs incredibly well with grilled steak or lamb chops, as it will bring out all of the subtle flavors in meat without overpowering them. This wine is the great choice to open with dinner or for relaxing after work.
If you're looking to spend a Saturday night this January in front of the TV with a quality bottle of wine, a pizza and an interesting new Netflix documentary - look no further than Poggerino Chianti Classico for your glass. This dry red wine is made from sangiovese grapes in the Tuscan region of Italy. The wine’s color is a bright ruby-red and the aroma brings notes of black cherry, leather, vanilla, cherries, red currant and licorice. The wine expresses with fine tannins that are well- by acidity, making it a great pair to the red sauce on pizza. The price point is also great (under $25 a bottle), considering that Wine Spectator voted Poggerino Chianti Classico (2010) eighteenth among the top 100 wines in the world in 2014.
Next on our list is a Spanish red blend that's dry and delicious. The Edulis de Altanza Rioja Reserva is a gorgeous wine vinified from tempranillo grapes. It's aged over 12 months in French oak barrels, giving it a deep red color and complex flavor. The aroma is reminiscent of dark fruits, like blackberries and cherries, with notes of smoke and tobacco. This Rioja’s taste is luxuriously rich, giving way to a lengthy finish that sips beautifully alongside a variety of small plates, salads and sauces.
If you are interested in participating in ABC’s spin on Dry January, but you prefer to sip on a cocktail versus a glass of wine – press play on the video below to learn how to shake up a classic dry gin martini.
