By David Setley
I don’t know about you, but this year has flown by for me. It is almost time for the ball to drop in Times Square. As 2022 ends and we anticipate all that 2023 will bring, I thought it fitting to look back at some of the best buys in wine from the year. I have always said that you do not need to spend a fortune to have a great wine experience; this year was outstanding for great, budget-friendly wines. Drum roll, please! Here is my top 10 for 2022:
10. Nerea Reserva Tempranillo-Syrah 2015. This 50%- 50% from Catalunya, Spain is a classic Spanish red blend. Bold flavor, soft tannins and well balanced. The flavors are dark berries, leather, vanilla, and baking spices with a touch of oak.
9. Three Brooms Sauvignon Blanc 2021. From Marlborough, New Zealand, this single vineyard wine features grapes that are harvested 3 weeks later than many other wines from this region. The result is a richer, smoother Sauvignon Blanc that has all the citrus flavor of other NZ wines but with greater structure and complexity.
8. Pehhcora Pecorino 2019. This delicious white wine from the region of Abruzzo, Italy is made from 100% Pecorino grapes. It is a crisp wine with the light flavor and aroma of tree fruits, like peach and mango, and has a lovely minerality. If you haven’t tried a Pecorino wine, this is the one to try.
7. Lobetia Tempranillo-Petit Verdot. From the Tierra De Castilla in Spain, this blend is made from organic grapes and is vegan friendly. The grapes are night-harvested and cold-crushed before fermentation. The aroma is warm spices and coffee and the pallet has rich velvety tannins, excellent complexity, and a long finish.
6. L. Tramier & Fils Coteaux Bourguignons Taverdet 2020. This 80% Gamay and 20% Pinot Noir offers the medium body and mild tannins of these two Burgundian varietals. It has a classic red fruit flavor with mild baking spices and a wonderful earthiness. I am a big fan of Gamay and this blend takes it to the next level.
5. Ancient Peaks Zinfandel 2020. Paso Robles, California currently produces some of the best Zins; this is a perfect example. The unique environment of the volcanic, shale soil and the close proximity to the cool breezes of the Pacific Ocean creates a wine with a sense of place. With juicy flavors of cherry, raspberry and wild berries and a light pepperiness, this is a crowd pleaser.
4. The Allumea Trio. There are three different wines under this brand of Organic Wines from Italy and I wasn’t willing to pick just one. The first is a white blend (70% Grillo and 30% Chardonnay) from Sicily. The second is 100% Montepulciano from Terre Di Chieti, and the third is a Nero D’Avola from Sicily. Grillo, Montepulciano, and Nero D’Avola are fantastic Italian varietals that deserve to be tried. All three wines are excellent representations of the diversity of Italian wines.
3. Chateau Carbonneau Sequoia Bordeaux Blend 2019. Bordeaux is an iconic wine region known for blending the indigenous grapes from the region into some of the world’s greatest wines. The Sequoia is no exception at 66% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon. Bold flavor, well-structured tannins, with notes of earthiness and oak. A Bordeaux classic.
2. Paul Goerg Premier Cru Champagne Brut. New Year’s Eve is time to splurge a little. Go to the source with this Champagne that has an excellent level of dryness with notes of the toasted brioche that only true Champagnes can deliver. Enjoy!
And, my number one pick for 2022……….
1. Settevigne Vin Rosso Italiano. Settevigne translates to the Seven Vines. This unique wine blends the seven indigenous grapes of Italy in equal proportions: Corvina, Primitivo, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Aglianico, and Sangiovese. This is an intensely dark, well-balanced red wine with the aromas and flavors of dark fruit, roasted coffee, baking spices and cocoa beans. It offers smooth, velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish. This pairs well with classic Italian meals, of course, but try it with charcuterie, roasted meats, or poultry. Settevigne is worthy of the number one ranking this year. Give it a try; it won’t disappoint!
I hope you like my top 10. As always, you are welcome to contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com. I am eternally grateful for your comments, feedback, and suggestions. I would also like to take this moment to thank my wife, Gwen, who is my muse and my editor on these articles. I look forward to writing more in 2023. Happy Wining, and Happy New Year!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
