Winter White Wines: Cozy Up with These Elegant Selections

As the winter chill sets in, it's a common misconception that the season solely belongs to red wines. The the colder months to be an opportune time to explore the rich tapestry of white wines that offer warmth, depth, and complexity. This winter, let's delve into a selection of whites that defy expectations with their robust profiles and intricate flavors. From the almond and grapefruit notes of the Burgess Cygnus Pinot Gris to the subtle cinnamon hints in the Carneros Chardonnay, these wines are poised to transform your winter evenings into a sophisticated and cozy experience.

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Burgess Cygnus Pinot Gris 2021 (SRP: $90.00)

The 2021 Cygnus Pinot Gris from St. Andrews Vineyard in Napa Valley is a testament to the art of winemaking. Fermented in amphora with grape skins, this wine boasts a unique complexity. With notes of almond skin, white grapefruit, and crushed gravel, it offers a balanced texture that's both austere and engaging, making it a perfect companion for winter nights.

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Stony Hill Spring Mountain Chardonnay 2020 (SRP: $140)

From America’s renowned white wine estate, the Stony Hill Spring Mountain Chardonnay 2020 is a vintage to remember. Sourced from Wente Chardonnay plantings, this wine exudes rich fruit notes of green and golden apple, lemon zest, pine tips, and a hint of Medjool dates. Its crystalline and balanced nature, coupled with a hint of salinity, makes it an ideal winter white.

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2021 Carneros Chardonnay (SRP: $85.00)

The Carneros Chardonnay, primarily fermented in French oak, is a harmonious blend of elegance and intensity. Originating from the Donum Ranch, it opens with classic aromas of lemon, apple, and lime, complemented by a subtle hint of cinnamon. This wine's crispness and intriguing flavor profile make it a delightful choice for winter evenings.

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La Crema 2022 Monterey Chardonnay (SRP: $20)

La Crema's 2022 Monterey Chardonnay is a celebration of coastal influence and refined taste. With aromas of grilled pineapple, Asian pear, and tangerine, followed by flavors of white peach and Key lime, it's a wine that balances fruitiness with a touch of barrel spice. Its river stone minerality and balanced acidity make it an excellent match for seafood dishes or a simple cheese platter.

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Charles Krug 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay (SRP: $26)

The Charles Krug 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay is an embodiment of elegance and complexity. Aged sur-lie in French oak barrels, it offers aromas of honeydew and wild plum, with flavors of lime and lemon enhancing its vibrant acidity. The wine's lushness and notes of toasted brioche and lemon curd make it a sophisticated choice for winter wine enthusiasts.

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Each of these winter white wines offers a unique experience, perfect for savoring during the colder months. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a winter gathering, these selections are sure to elevate your wine experience.

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January's Toast to Winter Warmth: Top Wine Picks to Start the Year

As we embrace the crisp chill of January, it's the perfect time to explore a world of wines that bring warmth and richness to our palates. This month, we've curated a selection of wines that not only complement the season's mood but also promise to elevate your dining experiences and cozy evenings. From the deep, robust reds that pair perfectly with hearty winter meals, to the crisp, refreshing whites that offer a contrast to the cold, our January favorites are a testament to the diversity and delight that the world of wine has to offer.

Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, our handpicked selection is designed to intrigue and inspire. Each bottle tells a story of its origin, crafted with care and expertise to bring out the best in every grape. So, let's raise a glass to the new year and savor the rich tapestry of flavors that these exceptional wines bring to our tables.

Halter Ranch 2021 El Pecado - $60

Indulge in the sinfully delightful Halter Ranch 2021 El Pecado, a dessert wine that embodies the art of temptation. This unique blend of 78% Tannat and 22% Grenache hails from Paso Robles, California, and is named "El Pecado," Spanish for "the sin," alluding to its luxurious indulgence. The wine's exceptional flavor profile is a result of an innovative process: organic hand-roasted coffee beans and cocoa nibs are infused during its 16-month aging in French oak barrels. The Grenache grapes, dried on wooden racks to concentrate their sugars, blend seamlessly with the Tannat, creating a rich, complex character. On the nose, El Pecado offers a symphony of berry compote, hazelnut, molasses, mocha, and roasted coffee. The palate is greeted with a sweet, soft, and rich entry, bursting with red fruits and balanced by natural residual sugar for an intense mouthfeel. The finish is both soft and structured, making El Pecado a standout dessert wine. Pair it with coffee, chocolate delights, a savory cheese souffle, or even seared bacon-wrapped Irish scallops with a maple glaze for an unforgettable culinary experience.

2019 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir – $100.00

Step into the world of premium winemaking with the 2019 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir, a flagship wine that has been the cornerstone of Donum’s collection since its inception in 2001. This vintage is a celebration of the vineyard's legacy, presenting a deep ruby hue that captivates the eye. The bouquet is a complex and inviting tapestry of aromas, featuring blackberry, boysenberry, dried cranberry, and the distinctive sassafras note that is a hallmark of the Donum Vineyard. On the palate, this Pinot Noir unfolds with layers of wild blueberry and blackberry, intertwined with subtle notes of caramel and a whisper of sea salt. The finish is as luxurious as it is enduring, leaving a rich trail of baking spice that lingers, inviting you to savor each sip. This wine is not just a drink; it's an experience, embodying the artistry and passion of Donum’s winemaking.

Charles Krug 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay - $26

Indulge in the Charles Krug 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay, a harmonious blend of sophistication and sensory delight. This medium-bodied wine, with 50% of it fermented and aged sur-lie in French oak barrels (14% new), offers a symphony of aromas from honeydew to wild plum. On the palate, it reveals a vibrant acidity with flavors of lime and lemon, enhancing its lively character. The wine's substantial body and weight create a lush mouthfeel, while its complexity unfolds with notes of toasted brioche, lemon curd, and nectarine. This Chardonnay is a testament to the elegance and depth that Napa Valley wines are celebrated for.

Donnafugata 2020 Ben Ryé - Passito di Pantelleria DOC - $50

Embark on a sensory journey with the Donnafugata 2020 Ben Ryé, a renowned Passito di Pantelleria from the windswept Pantelleria Island in South Eastern Sicily. Made from 100% Zibbibo (Moscato di Alessandria), Ben Ryé, meaning "Son of the Wind" in Arabic, is a tribute to the island's persistent winds that dance around the grape clusters, infusing them with a myriad of fragrances. The wine's golden color with bright amber hues is as captivating as its story. The bouquet is intensely aromatic, featuring apricot, candied orange peel, and hints of Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it unfolds with fruity notes of aromatic herbs and sweet honey nuances, striking an extraordinary balance between freshness and sweetness. This Passito di Pantelleria is a world-renowned dessert wine, perfect for savoring alone or pairing with caramelized duck, foie gras, blue cheeses, pastries, and gourmet chocolates like gianduja. Ben Ryé is not just a wine; it's a meditation on the essence of Pantelleria.

2022 J. Lohr Fog's Reach Pinot Noir - $35

Discover the enchanting character of the 2022 J. Lohr Fog’s Reach Pinot Noir, a wine that beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Arroyo Seco region. This exquisite Pinot Noir greets you with an aromatic bouquet of bing cherry, strawberry compote, and a hint of dried sage, inviting you into a world of refined flavors. On the palate, it presents a cascade of bright red cherry flavors, harmoniously blending into a peppery spice that lingers on the finish. Its elegant structure and depth make it an ideal companion for hearty dishes, such as a rich shepherd’s pie or a savory mushroom risotto. Embrace the coziness of a Winter evening with a glass of this exquisite Pinot Noir, a perfect pairing for both the palate and the season.

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Experience the Taste of Italian Heritage: Consorzio dell'Asti Wines

As a New York wine enthusiast, you're no stranger to the world of diverse wine cultures. But have you had the chance to explore the rich, bubbly flavours of Italian wines from the Piedmont region? The Consorzio dell’Asti, the custodian of Asti Spumante DOCG and Moscato d'Asti DOCG, offers a taste of Italy's cherished viticultural heritage right here in the Big Apple.

Asti Spumante DOCG and Moscato d'Asti DOCG are not just any wines; they are the culmination of a tradition that goes back over a century. Born from the Moscato Bianco grapes grown in the fertile regions of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, these wines are a sensory journey that echoes the landscapes they come from. The autochthonous Piedmont varietal's unique aroma blend transforms into a fragrant bouquet of botanical essences, striking the perfect balance between intensity and refinement.

New Yorkers with a keen palate for history will be captivated by Asti's origins. The Asti Spumante we enjoy today traces its roots to 1865 when Carlo Gancia, after studying vinification techniques in Champagne, France, introduced the "Classic Method" to Moscato Bianco grapes. This innovation led to the creation of Italy's first spumante. The legacy continued with the introduction of the "Martinotti Method" in 1898 by Federico Martinotti, making the production of Moscato d’Asti more accessible to winemakers.

The hard work and dedication of the Consorzio’s members have led them to gain numerous recognitions. In 1967, Asti was awarded the DOC designation, which was the highest accolade an Italian wine could have at the time. In 1993, it was later conferred the DOCG designation (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin). Subsequently, the UNESCO recognized the vineyard landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato as World Heritage sites, thus protecting and preserving the land for future generations.

As part of their 90th-anniversary celebration, Consorzio dell'Asti has undergone a rebranding to reach younger generations while preserving its unique heritage and core values. So, whether you are an ardent oenophile or a casual wine drinker, take a sip of these effervescent Italian wines, and embark on an enchanting journey of heritage, tradition, and exceptional taste right here in New York.

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