Wine
In the Know: 5 Grape Varieties to Discover Now
January 31, 2025
Here at Sommsation, we believe that exploration and discovery are two of the most exciting things about wine—and our expert team is here to guide you the entire way. As we kick off a brand new year, our team is vowing to continue venturing off the beaten path, and of course, share our discoveries with you every step of the way. Up first? Our sommeliers have curated a list of five grape varieties to kickstart the New Year on a high note. Check them out, along with a handful of artisanal bottle recommendations, here.
Voignier
Forget the warm weather exclusive stereotypes you’ve heard about white wine—’winter whites’ are finally having their well-deserved moment in the sun, and rich, fuller-bodied expressions are perfect for popping during chillier months. Not sure where to begin? Viognier is a great place to start. Although synonymous with France’s Rhône Valley, the grape has gained some serious traction across vineyards in California, and is known for producing unctuous, palate-coating wines that promise to warm you up just as well as your favorite reds. Pro tip: Uncork a bottle with your favorite root veggies / soups for an out-of-this-world pairing.
Explore Viognier:
Halter Ranch Winery Viognier 2022 - Aromas of white peach, nectarine, and tangerine make up the bouquet of this 2022 Viognier. The entry is crisp, bright, and filled with flavors of apricot, marmalade, and honey. The soft, balanced weight creates a silky texture perfect for pairing with food.
Opolo Vineyards Viognier 2023 - A round, viscous mouthfeel displays tropical flavors with suggestions of nectarine and refreshing lemon citrus. The rich mid-palate gains energy with bright acidity on the finish.
Cortese
If you’re a fan of crisp whites, worry not—there are plenty of refreshing varieties to explore during winter months, too (especially if you enjoy oysters, seafood towers, and all things raw bar). Although Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc tend to be the more recognized varieties, looking to lesser-known grapes offers a world of thought-provoking pairings. Enter Cortese, one of Piedmont’s under-the-radar yet seriously delicious white grapes. Better known as the backbone to Gavi wines, this indigenous Italian variety is known for producing zesty wines with signature lime aromatics and saline-tinged finishes.
Explore Cortese:
Cascina San Michele Vino Bianco "Eteronimo" Cortese 2021 - Aromatics of preserved lemon, fresh oregano and almonds. Citrus remains a feature of the palate, low acid yet prominent salinity give this wine a delightful finish and make for a food-friendly option.
Trousseau Gris
If you’re a fan of wines from France’s Jura region, then you’ve likely tasted a bottle or few of Trousseau before—though did you know this famed red variety has a white variation? Deemed a mutation of the OG grape, Trousseau Gris is one of the wine world’s most interesting grapes, as the wine styles it makes span the flavor profile gamut. Some winemakers vinify the grape into textured and tasty skin-contact wines, while others, like our friends at Zeitgeist Cellars, choose to showcase the variety’s zesty acidity through lean, acid-forward whites. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Explore Trousseau Gris:
Zeitgeist Cellars Trousseau Gris 2023 - As usual, the Trousseau Gris is your "lean and mean" choice. Bright, tightly focused and super vibrant. Already it reminds us of freshly cut lemons, stone fruits and bergamot. A clean and concise minerality anchors the mid palate.
Teroldego
Light-bodied, high-acid reds are some of the most versatile wines out there—think Gamay, Pinot Noir, and if you’ve never heard of it before, Teroldego. These easy-drinking wines pair beautifully with a variety of foods, as well as promise to please a myriad of specific palate preferences. Like Gamay and Pinot Noir, Teroldego produces light to medium-bodied wines with herbaceous red fruit flavors and soft tannins. The variety is grown mostly in Trentino-Alto Adige and produces compacted clusters of dark-skinned berries—think of it like the former two grapes’ cooler cousin, but with a Northern Italian flair.
C. L. Butaud Wines Teroldego 2021 - Herbal from day one and mellowing with age, imagine drinking black tea with spearmint in the winter air. It is a meaty wine, in addition to showing bright raspberry and just ripe blackberry, there's a creosote/tar resin thing that I find to be delicious in wines like this, with tobacco, fennel, orange peel, and the skin of stone fruits. It's fresh and bright and weird and beautiful all at once
Within Argentina’s revered wine-producing region of Mendoza lies the Uco Valley, deemed the unofficial crown jewel of the Fans of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and full-bodied reds, this one’s for you. Don’t let the name fool you—wines produced from Petite Sirah are anything but petite. Contrary to the name, which actually refers to the size of the berries on the vine, this unique grape variety is known for producing inky, dark-hued wines with firm tannins and prominent acidity. Wines produced from Petite Sirah are synonymous with notes of plum, black pepper, and herbal undertones, and are perfect for pairing with equally robust dishes.
Explore Petite Sirah:
Hawk and Horse Vineyards Petite Sirah 2019 - Deep purple color. The nose shows a nice mix of tangy plums and blueberries, with spicy pepper, anise, some coffee, toffee and mocha. Nice grip on the palate but the tannins have these suave edges and the acidity is really nice, balancing out the deep plum and currant fruit. Notes of black olive, tar, mocha, black pepper and bell pepper add complexity.
Suisun Creek Winery Petite Sirah 2020 - Notes of blackberry, vanilla and cocoa, with more subtle aromas of violet blossoms and mint. The deep color hints at the plentiful but soft tannins. A bold but very approachable wine.
Bonus Bottle: Clif Family Winery Petite Sirah Dessert Wine - Like a hot fudge brownie sundae oozing with caramel topping, this fortified dessert wine also offers aromas of blackberry pie and smoke meats. The thick, chewy and long palate has richness that is sure to impress.
