12 “OUTSIDER” VARIETIES TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Now it's time to pick the wine for your New Year’s Eve dinner. What if you go off the beaten track? Here are 12 suggestions of different varieties that produce equally different and surprising wines.

This year you want to surprise your guests with a New Year's Eve that is anything but ordinary. Your fridge has never been more glorious, packed with gourmet delicacies and tupperware of your best home-cooked recipes.

Now it's time to pick the wine. It has to be something special.

What if you go off the beaten track? Opt for the unexpected?

Here are twelve suggestions of different varieties that produce equally different wines. Some people will like them, others might not, but these wines will say something about you. And remember, originality is the key to success.

1. QUEROL. Rediscovered by Bodegas Torres in the Penedès appellation, Querol is part of a project to revive indigenous Catalan varieties, many of which were largely forgotten during the 20th century. It is a very unusual red grape with small berries, which is blended with other varieties to make Grans Muralles, a red wine from the D.O. Conca de Barberà.

2. GARRÓ. This is yet another revived variety that existed prior to the outbreaks of phylloxera. Torres also uses this variety in its Grans Muralles blend. Garró was discovered in the mid-1980s on the terraced slopes of the Garraf Massif.

3. SAMSÓ. The variety is named after an abandoned village in the Montmell Massif, not far from where it was discovered. The wines offer vegetative nuances topped by a hint of spices with tree fruit undertones reminiscent of yellow apples. Long and nervy on the palate with good acidity.

4. MONEU. Another variety revived by Bodegas Torres. Found near Querol in Alt Camp, it is a red variety that is highly resistant to extreme temperatures and drought. At this time, plantings are still experimental in nature. Based on its characteristics, however, it could be very valuable for wine production within the context of climate change.

5. GONFAUS. This variety originates from the village of Santa Eulàlia de Puig Oriol, in the Lluçanès area of Osona county (Barcelona). Yet another Bodegas Torres find, Gonfaus boasts a peculiar trait: it is a female variety, which is unusual given that most modern varieties are hermaphroditic. Bodegas Torres has begun to work with this low-yielding variety in an experimental fashion.

6. COJÓN DE GATO. Behind this curious name, which means “cat's testicles” in Spanish, we find a Somontano variety that adds texture and astringency. No varietals are made from this grape, but it is occasionally blended with Syrah or Merlot. One thing is certain: its presence in a wine is guaranteed to surprise or raise a few eyebrows.

7. PERRUNO. An extremely rare grape from the Sierra de Cadiz mountain region. Although tart and difficult to work with, the variety is extremely resistant and if handled correctly can produce interesting wines. It is currently used in non-appellation organic white wines to build structure.

8. MATURANA TINTA. This native La Rioja variety was revived in 2009. It stands out for its purple color, acidity and moderate alcohol content. The varietals made from this grape tend to be classic, yet very interesting, Rioja wines.

9. ALBARÍN. One of the four indigenous varieties of Asturias, it is used for the wine produced under the Protected Geographical Indication of Cangas. This early-ripening, highly aromatic variety produces wines with floral, fruity aromas, good alcohol and crisp acidity. Thanks to these excellent qualities, it has already crossed over to the neighboring appellation where it is used in D.O. Tierra de León wines.

10. BRUÑAL. Grown in the Arribes del Duero Nature Park, it is one of the varieties recognized by the appellation of the same name, which was created in 2005. The variety was revived in the 1990s, and its production is very limited. It is easily recognizable thanks to its dark blue color, firm flesh and distinctive flavor. The variety produces very fruity, full-bodied wines with good acidity that are ideal candidates for aging.

11. MERSEGUERA. This typical white grape from the east coast of Spain was revived in 2009. It is a rustic variety that can adapt to even the most complicated conditions. The wines are aromatic, pale in color, with fruity notes reminiscent of German varieties. It is one of the leading grapes of the Valencia appellation of origin.

12. GRACIANO. This characteristic variety of the La Rioja appellation of origin is aromatic, floral, with high acidity and deep color. The reason we're including it on the list is not due to rarity, but because of how difficult it is to find red wines made exclusively from this grape. The wines boast impressive longevity and are ideal for aging. One example is Altos Ibéricos Parcelas de Graciano, a Rioja by Bodegas Torres.

Gastronomistas