Stretching beyond our comfort zone

Often when talking about wine with friends who appreciate its pleasures but are not really interested in the back-story or breadth of the subject, I hear comments about "comfort" levels relating to specific favored varieties or brands. Sadly though, it’s seldom I hear much about their desire to venture into something new. And that's really a shame. It takes just a bit of courage and exploration to discover many rewards that will grace the dinner table and add interest to a special occasion.

With the new year underway and the changing seasons, it’s a good time to take a look at where we’re comfortable and where we’d like to explore some new and exciting choices beyond our own self-imposed “comfort zone.” Given the wide range of options available in today's market from both the New and Old Worlds, following this path can be very rewarding. While at times the search may seem like a bit of a reach, our efforts will often lead to a broad range of intriguing and unexpected benefits.

The colder fall and winter months usually feel more formal and structured in both the culinary and vinous worlds. We confidently turn to our most trusted Cabernets, Zinfandels, Pinots, Syrahs and Chardonnays to pair with the heavier more protein intense meals of the season. It's pretty easy to stay in our comfort zone with the wines we've grown accustomed to, while shying away from others that, though unfamiliar, may offer eye-opening pleasures and great mealtime pairings.

As we transition to the spring and summer months, our spirits seem to awaken along with our sense of adventure. Our lifestyle becomes less formal, meals are lighter and entertaining turns to the outdoors accompanied by the beautiful sights and scents of nature.

This is by far the most exciting time of year to embark on a journey of discovering something new to pair with the season's lighter more enticing cuisine and casual atmosphere. There is no need to abandon the wines of your comfort zone as they will also fit nicely regardless of the season. However, your adventure beyond can easily begin with a wide variety of whites, delicious dry rosés, intriguing sparklers from outside Champagne and many accessible reds we may have overlooked in the cooler months.

And the good news is you don't have to break the bank to join the search with countless choices in the $15 to $30 range and quite a few special finds below $50.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at some choices representing possible alternatives to those wines already in your comfort zone, while introducing you to another level of discovery. The journey is easy, so why not give it a try?

If you like Chardonnay, how about giving Aligoté (Burgandy’s “other” white grape) a chance? Or perhaps you’d like to stay with the variety, but move on to a different expression. In this case we can look to Burgundy’s southern areas like the Mâcon or Côte Chalonnaise for lighter expression and great values. Is Sauvignon Blanc a favorite? Then why not give Albariño, Verdejo, Vinho Verde, Soave Classico or Pinot Gris a try?

Do you favor a crisp dry Riesling on a warm summer day for its brightness and aromatic appeal? If so, you may want to look at Gewürztraminer, Torrontés and Assyertiko (from Greece) to also fill the bill. The richness of a fine domestic Chenin Blanc is easy to find and on the favorites list for many wine drinkers. Well, Vermentino (either domestically or from Italy) along with Grenache Blanc and Roussanne are also good choices.

Rosés from France's Provençe (pale and elegant) or Tavel (richer and deeper in color) along with other choices from Italy, Spain and right here in California's North Coast are perfect choices with a range of culinary delights and warm weather celebrations.

Dry rosés are crafted from many different local varieties depending on their growing areas may represent the most versatile category of summer wines. Although they are enjoyable throughout the year, a chilled dry rosé really shines as the weather warms and dining becomes more casual. They pair beautifully from an aperitif to the main course with poultry, mild sausages, grilled veggies and lighter game meats.

Understandably, Champagne may be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing sparkling wines. But our choices today go far beyond this admittedly magnificent region with its stellar wines but often lofty price tags.

Prosecco has taken the country by storm and is now the number one sparkling import at very favorable prices. While a bit more expensive, but still at reasonable price levels, the finest Proseccos now carry the name Conegliano Valdobbiadene on the label. This is in reference to the newly established DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) and reflective of Italy’s most prestigious wines.

Great value and pleasure can also be found with Italy's "other" sparkler Franciacorta or Cava and Corpinnat from Spain’s Penedes region. And let’s not overlook the famed Crémant bottlings from other growing areas in France such as Burgundy, Loire and Alsace. These revered sparklers are also made in the Méthode Traditionelle (aka Méthode Champenoise) of Champagne and available at more reasonable prices. There are also a plethora of great choices from Napa, Sonoma and Mendicino that challenge the best of the world.

When looking at reds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel readily come to mind. However, there are many other choices from here and abroad deserving of our attention. Some may seem a little different at first, but all are worth the search and will add a special touch to the varied dining patterns we enjoy as the seasons change.

On the lighter side Cru Beaujolais and Dolcetto with a little chill are sure to hit the spot. As we look to the bolder reds, we can begin with Nero d’Avola and Nerello Mascalese from Sicily, Grenache (aka Garnacha from Spain), many examples from the Côtes du Rhône, Primitivo (for the Zin lover), and a delightful Sangiovese are all good choices.

Moving on to the still bolder reds let’s consider our choices from Spain’s Rioja (Tempranillo) and Priorat (Garnacha and Carinyena aka Carignan) regions; along with Italy’s Montalcino, Piedmonte (Barbera, Barolo, Barbaresco) and Campania growing areas. We also have many other choices from Chile (Carménère), Argentina (Malbec), Australia (Shiraz and Grenache), Portugal (Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz) and now even New Zealand with their individual interpretations of Pinot Noir.

These are just a few suggestions and the list can go on forever with the countless varietal and blended wines available from growing areas around the globe. Many are indigenous to their native areas, while some have also been adopted by adventurous growers, vintners and winemakers in other countries and many areas across the U.S.

My only problem with spring and summer is that they are over too soon. But while the seasons last, I'll continue to do my best in broadening my comfort zone by continually exploring new wines and new winegrowing regions that are sure to add to the pleasures of these warmer months and beyond. I invite you to join me on the quest and you won't be sorry!