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.

Donum 2021 Carneros Estate Chardonnay.jpg

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Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for March.

Donnafugata Rosa Dolce & Gabbana

Donnafugata Rosa Dolce & Gabbana (12.34% ABV, $48) is a rosé from Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring territories; Eastern Sicily - North side of Etna; South Western Sicily. Bright pink in color, it has an elegant bouquet of jasmine and rose petals, with delicate fruity notes of peach and white-fleshed fruits. Of pleasant fragrance, minerality and finesse, it surprises with remarkable persistence.

San Felice Campogiovanni

Campogiovanni’s vineyards are sited onthe South quadrant of the Montalcino hill, where weather conditions and a particular combination of soils favour  optimal  ripening of the Sangiovese grosso grape. Campogiovanni  Brunello is absolutely classic in style, ageing three years in Slavonian oak casks and in 500-litre tonneaux, then another  12 months in the bottle. It is recognised for its finesse and for its longevity.

Riserva Ducale Tan

Well balanced on the palate, with velvety tannins, firm acidity, and lingering finish of rosemary, this Tuscan gem pairs well with Italian favorites such a prosciutto, antipasti, or simple grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

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Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for September.

2019 Grand Brut Rosé

The 2019 sparkling wine is a cuveé of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit. Delicate, fine beads rise-up through your glass as the wine is poured. Fragrant aromas of hibiscus flower, red- sour cherry and a touch of watermelon rim are complemented with fresh brioche bread and mandarin citrus notes. On the palate, mandarin and kumquat, citrus fruit, a touch of wet stone minerality and light cherry flavors are balanced with Sonoma-Cutrer’s signature acidity. This sparkler is a perfect pairing with goat cheese, fruit tarts or fresh oysters with salmon caviar.

Vina Robles 2019 Petite Sirah

The Vina Robles 2019 Petite Sirah ($32) is here to match your style. Petite Sirah is a classic variety grown in California for more than a century, and is well-suited to the limiting soils found in the estate vineyards in Paso Robles. The wine displays complexity, structure, richness, and balance with luxurious aromas of Boysenberry and vanilla and tasting notes of juicy dark fruits, vanilla and a lively yet creamy finish.

Wander + Ivy

Quality meets convenience with Wander + Ivy! Handpicked from the world’s greatest wine regions, Wander + Ivy’s elegant 6.3 oz. bottles are the perfect portion for sampling Red Blend from Valencia, Spain, Rosé from the South of France, California Chardonnay, Italian White Wine, and California Cabernet Sauvignon. Developed by Wander + Ivy in 2017 to showcase world-class wine in convenient and affordable sizes. Dana developed the brand so she could have the freedom to enjoy a great glass of wine anytime without the guilt of knowing most of the bottle would likely go to waste. Today, Wander + Ivy is turning heads in the wine space and reinventing single-serve wine.  

Otronia 45 Rugientes Pinot Noir 2018

Otronia 45 Rugientes Pinot Noir 2018 (SRP: $40): "Otronia” has been born. Alejandro Bulgheroni’s innovative winery in the most extreme Patagonia, Argentina, is giving origin to a new region of precision viticulture, which challenges the limits of what is possible.

Hamel Family Wines 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

“A pale, clear yellow in the glass, the elegantly restrained nose reveals aromas of lemon, grapefruit and pear over notes of apple blossom, sage and mineral shimmers of crushed stone. Brimming with freshness, the palate is tightly coiled around a core of bright citrus and early season white stone fruit notes.” 

This focused and taut white was fermented and aged in a mix of stainless steel and Austrian and French oak casks and puncheons, It spent five months in stainless steel, oak and concrete eggs  producing a round structure with a refreshing and saline finish. The wine is accessible and most enjoyable in its youth and is recommended to be opened over the next three years - and especially at this weekend’s cookout. 

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Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for August.

Luretta Boccadirosa

Together with a selected number of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Boccadirosa by Luretta is a sustainable wine that brings the unicity of a gem-terroir to all the senses.  

Herbs from the Mediterranean combine, in this wine, to vivacious aromas of elderberry, dried lemon peel, acacia and marzipan, resulting in a complex, rounded, and full-bodied white that is ideal to be sipped during summer as well as colder seasons. 

Unánime Chardonnay (SRP: $24.99)

From Mascota Vineyards, Unánime Chardonnay (SRP: $24.99) shows aromas of spiced-apple, peach, ripe-mango and nutmeg. It is full-bodied with crisp acidity and a creamy, dense texture which helps it pair deliciously with hearty Crab Cakes topped with a Remoulade Sauce or a fresh Chicken Pecan Salad.

The Beach by Whispering Angel 2021

The energetic ‘little sister’ to Whispering Angel, The Beach is perfectly balanced with subtle, fruity notes and exceptional length. Clad in a lighter glass bottle, this new wine launched this Spring with a coastline-cleanup initiative aimed at preserving the world's beaches.

Mezzacorona Ventessa Pinot Grigio Rosé

Healthy. Sustainable. Hand-picked.

Pinot grigio is a grape variety which has found its ideal home in Trentino, a land which allows it to express its full potential. This unique alpine context in the wine growing world brings out Pinot Grigio’s different styles thanks to the pedo-climatic environments in which it is cultivated, characterized by soils, exposure and altitudes, characteristics which make Trentino an immense, natural, and environmental mosaic!

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Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for July.

PARTY Prosecco Rosé

Vera Wang is proud to announce the expansion of PARTY, her premium Italian prosecco – made for celebrating life's moments, big and small – with the launch of PARTY Prosecco Rosé, just in time for summer!

Vera Wang has turned her creativity and passion for design toward how — and what — we celebrate. Vera Wang PARTY embodies the Bright, FUN, and Fashion-Forward side of the globally renowned Designer and Style Icon. The Prosecco Rosé is light and crisp, making the perfect warm-weather sip. The second bottling comes in the brand's signature chic, sleek matte silver bottle with "PARTY" in a pink hue and a matching ombre.

"I am excited to introduce PARTY's newest wine just in time for summer. The Prosecco Rosé is extremely versatile and pairs well with all of your favorite seasonal cuisines – barbecue, seafood, al fresco brunch – and entertaining occasions," says Vera Wang. "Prosecco isn't just for special occasions. Whether you are celebrating by yourself as a party of one, or with friends, PARTY is about toasting the every day."

Unánime Pinot Noir

From Mascota Vineyards, the Unánime Pinot Noir (SPR: $24.99) is a subtle, delicate pinot noir with sliced-strawberry and lemon aromas, following through to a medium body, fine tannins and a delicious finish which will be your summer wine and perfect transition wine well into the fall.

Robert Mondavi Winery Estates Red Blend Oakville 2019

A true reflection of place, this wine boasts rich, complex flavors and is made up of grapes from To Kalon Vineyard, the special sight that Robert Mondavi chose for the winery in 1966. This red blend is made up of 49% Cabernet Franc, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and aged for 21 months in French oak barrels (100% new). Aromas of blackberry, cherry, toasted almond, bay leaf and mocha, lead to a palate of luscious ripe cherry and cassis with savory notes of dried herbs. This well-balanced body with a slight weight is characterized by classic fine To Kalon tannins.

Medlock Ames 2019 Secret Ingredient Malbec

The Medlock Ames 2019 Secret Ingredient Malbec (SRP: $70) has a nose filled with Christmas spice and floral perfume - but don't let these holiday mentions stray you from a summer sip, as it is ideal for anything off the barbecue. The intense palate bursts with flavors of dark roasted coffee, violets, black plum, and pastry crust. The mouthfeel is vibrant and lush with a rich tannin structure that peaks and then softly resolves on the finish.

2019 Les Pierres Chardonnay

2019 Les Pierres Chardonnay – exemplifying Sonoma-Cutrer’s Grand Cru approach to winemaking, the wine is barrel-fermented on the lees in one-year-old oak for five months. Individual block components are then blended to create the cuveìe and placed in three-year-old oak for additional aging. Bottled in February 2021 the wine was bottle-aged for an additional six months before releasing. (SRP: $46)

Trapiche Medalla Malbec 2019

Intense purple with violet tones. Concentrated aromas of red berries, plums, cherries and raisins, highlighted by notes of toast, coconut and vanilla from aging in new French oak barrels. In the mouth the wine reveals its best attributes with a sweet entry, soft and intense tannins that give creaminess, volume and meatiness. The flavors of ripe fruit stand perfectly amalgamated with spicy and smoky wood, leaving a pleasant and persistent finish.

2019 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (SRP: $50) will fill you with the unmistakable pure expression of Napa Valley Cabernet, yet the price will not give you any guilt for enjoying it on your couch on a Tuesday night. Layered with soft red fruit flavors, leather, cassis and elegant botanical accents on the mid-palate and lovely notes of toasted espresso beans on the finish, you might choose to pretend every day is National Wine Day just so you can relive this bottle over and over again.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for May.

https://shop.sparklingpointe.com/prod-410556/2019-Topaz-Imperial-Brut-Rose.html

Named for the precious gemstone, Topaz Impérial shows a pale pink coral hue. Ripe strawberry, red cherry, and notes of rose petal on the nose and palate mingle elegantly with savory touches of biscotti. Peach, hibiscus, and orange are brightened by lemony acidity. It's dry in style, yet fruity and lush with a lingering finish. Delicate and persistent, its fine bubbles compose a harmonious ballet.

Mascota Vineyards Unanime, 2017

James Suckling-Mendoza, Argentina - ""This is a rich, dense red with blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Extremely well-crafted tannins. Hints of vanilla to the ripe fruit at the end. Incredible value...already beautiful to taste.""

Peconic Bay – 2020 Riesling

Sourced from our Home Farm which has one of the earliest Riesling plantings on the North Fork. This beautiful Riesling is slightly off-dry, coming in at 2g/L residual sugar. Perfectly well balanced, it offers aromas of honeysuckle and peach, with intense flavors of tree fruits and meyer lemon on the palette.

Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2020

Deep dark red in color, with the classic profile of Carmenere from Peumo, with intense notes of ripe plums, black currants, and dark chocolate, along with firm tannic structure and pronounced acidity

Trapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015

James Suckling-Mendoza, Argentina - ""A velvety and juicy cabernet with currant and blueberry character. Full and very pretty..."" Try pairing this wine with beef, lamb, mushrooms, and cheese.

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Wines You'll Want To Find For March of 2022

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Napa to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for March.

2018 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Oregon’s largest AVA, the valley follows the Willamette River, and is bordered by mountains to the east and west. The cool maritime climate can be unpredictable, keeping growers on their toes, while a wide diversity of soils provides a broad palette of expression for Pinot Noir.

Ventessa Pinot Grigio

It boasts a youthful aromatic profile of flowers and fruit: lily of the valley, melon and white peach. And only 90 calories!

The grapes are immediately crushed and undergo a very short cold maceration in the press. The grapes are then softly pressed. The musts are then fermented for 8 days. The wines are kept on the yeasts in steel tanks.

Pomino Benefizio Riserva 2018

If you are a fan of Tuscan Chardonnay, Benefizio Riserva should definitely be on your bucket list. This grape variety was introduced to Frescobaldi’s estate Castello di Pomino in 1855, and it has been proudly cultivated ever since. The colour is a typical pale yellow with beautiful golden reflections, but Ho Ho Holy Moly... what a delicate yet persistent bouquett. Notes of orange blossom and magnolia soon lead the way to citrus aromas of candied and dried fruit. Gentle spice alongside the tertiary notes produced during refinement guide you to the end of this astounding olfactory journey. Its structure is perfectly balanced and harmonized by freshness.

, Dom Pérignon’s Rosé Vintage 2008

available for purchase after 12 years of meticulous maturation to achieve its ultimate power and harmony. While Dom Pérignon’s champagnes are always vintaged, it takes an exceptional year to inspire the Maison to explore a rosé, and 2008 invigorated a desire to push the boundaries of creation.

Retails at $329 Purchase here: Store locator

The result is untamed yet magnetic, aromatic with a racing acidity, and the vintage has already received top ratings from critics James Suckling, Jancis Robinson, and Richard Juhlin, delighting in Dom Pérignon rosé’s thrill of the unknown. 

Rosa Regale

This sparkling red wine made from Brachetto d’Acqui in Piedmont, Italy.

Since the times of Cleopatra, Rosa Regale has been love at first sip.  Legend has it that both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony presented Cleopatra with several wine skins filled with Rosa Regale, Cleopatra’s favorite. The empress then had her lovers drink the wine in order to unleash their passion, and the rest is history.

Saldo 2021 Chenin Blanc

2021 Chenin Blanc, joining a portfolio that includes a Red Blend and Zinfandel. Created by The Prisoner Wine Company’s Director of Winemaking, Chrissy Wittmann, and Saldo’s Director of Winemaking, Todd Ricard, Saldo is defined by craftsmanship, precision, and care, resulting in a bold, flavorful result, and the new Chenin Blanc is no exception. 

 Saldo 2021 Chenin Blanc offers intense fruit aromas of pineapple, white peach, and brown spice. Flavors of pineapple and honey crisp apple dominate the palate, reflecting the winemaking process of harmonizing the finest grapes to create a complex, yet elegant wine.

Saldo officially launched in October 2021 as a luxury sub-brand under The Prisoner Wine Company and building upon its popular Zinfandel bottling. Meaning “I join” in Italian, Saldo is a labor of love and precision by Wittman and Ricard. Together, the winemakers employ The Prisoner Wine Company’s signature method of meticulously blending and continuously refining nontraditional varietals to develop Saldo’s unique style for effortless enjoyment. 

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