The 5 wines we think you should try in 2025
As we look ahead to the exciting world of wine in 2025, we’re diving into some of the most captivating wines that deserve your attention. From grape varieties with rich histories to emerging regions crafting impressive new offerings, this is a list of wines we think you should explore this year. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just starting your wine journey, these wines are ones to watch.
1. Torrontés – From Argentina and Beyond
Overview: Torrontés is one of Argentina's most distinctive and aromatic white grape varieties. Known for its floral and perfumed profile, Torrontés is frequently compared to Muscat, but it carries its own unique style. While Argentina is the primary home of Torrontés, it is also found in smaller quantities in other regions of South America and even a few Old World countries.
Key Regions
- Argentina: The high-altitude regions of Mendoza, Salta, and La Rioja are where Torrontés thrives in Argentina. The cool, dry climate and high altitudes (often over 1,500 meters above sea level) allow the grapes to retain their natural acidity while developing intense aromatic qualities.
- Uruguay: Torrontés in Uruguay is less common but gaining attention. The country’s temperate coastal climate, especially in the southern regions, allows for a slower ripening process, producing wines that are less bold than those from Argentina but equally fragrant and refreshing. Uruguay is a country to watch in 2025 for sure. They are making some all class wines.
Terroir & Climate
Torrontés is highly sensitive to climate and altitude. In Argentina’s high-altitude regions, the significant diurnal temperature variation (hot days and cold nights) allows for the preservation of fresh acidity while developing complex aromas. Soils rich in minerals also contribute to the wine's characteristic vibrancy. The terroir of Salta, for example, with its rocky, arid conditions, imparts a distinct minerality to Torrontés wines, elevating their freshness and complexity.
Tasting Notes
Torrontés is a fragrant wine, bursting with floral notes of jasmine, rose, and orange blossom. Expect lively flavors of citrus, peaches, and tropical fruits like pineapple. The finish is often crisp and refreshing, with lingering floral notes.
Alcohol & Body
Typically around 12-13.5% alcohol, Torrontés wines are medium-bodied with a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel due to their high acidity.
Acidity
Torrontés has high acidity, which makes it an excellent choice for pairing with rich dishes and some spicy dishes.
Food Pairing
Torrontés pairs wonderfully with fresh seafood like ceviche or shrimp, as well as spicy dishes from Asian or Latin American cuisine. It also complements creamy cheeses like goat cheese and brie.
2. Chenin Blanc – From California (of course), and from the Loire Valley, and Australia
Overview: Chenin Blanc is one of the world’s most versatile white wine grapes, capable of producing wines in a range of styles—from sparkling to sweet, dry to off-dry. Originating from the Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc has found a home in California and Australia, each producing wines with their own distinct character.
Key Regions
- Loire Valley, France: The birthplace of Chenin Blanc, especially in the Vouvray and Savennières AOCs, where it thrives in the cool, continental climate. Here, the grape benefits from slow ripening, resulting in wines with fresh acidity and complexity.
- California: California’s warm climate produces a riper style of Chenin Blanc. While the acidity is still present, the wines often have more fruit-forward characteristics, with notes of apple, honey, and tropical fruits.
- Australia: In regions like the Adelaide Hills, cooler temperatures and elevated altitudes create wines that balance ripeness with acidity. Australian Chenin Blanc is fresh and vibrant, with bright fruit and floral notes. Australia could be our favorite wine regions for perfectly ripe and juicy chenin.
Terroir & Climate
The terroir of each region shapes Chenin Blanc’s expression. In the Loire Valley, the cool climate, combined with the region's tuffeau limestone soils, allows the grape to retain its acidity, providing a refreshing backbone to the wine. California Chenin Blanc, on the other hand, benefits from the warmer climate of regions like Clarksburg and Napa (especially the mountain AVAsm of Napa), where the grape ripens fully, producing wines with a fuller body and softer acidity. In Australia, cooler regions like the Adelaide Hills preserve freshness and bring out the grape’s citrus and green apple characteristics.
Tasting Notes
Chenin Blanc can range from dry to sweet, but its core profile is always defined by vibrant acidity. In dry forms, it offers flavors of green apple, lemon, and a distinctive minerality. Off-dry and sweet versions bring out notes of peach, quince, and honey, with some examples offering complex flavors of beeswax and nutty undertones. Some also say Chenin Blanc has a "Wet Wool" aroma.
Alcohol & Body
Chenin Blanc typically ranges from 11% to 14% alcohol, with dry styles being medium-bodied and crisp, and off-dry and sweet styles being fuller and more rounded.
Tannins & Acidity
Chenin Blanc is known for its high acidity, which gives the wine its signature freshness. Tannins are generally nonexistent, though sparkling Chenin Blanc can show some light phenolic structure or if it is a skin contact Chenin which you might see from natural winemakers.
Food Pairing
Chenin Blanc pairs excellently with a range of dishes. Dry versions go well with seafood, roasted chicken, and salads. Off-dry versions are fantastic with spicy Asian dishes, while sweet styles are perfect with blue cheese, pâté, or fruit-based desserts.
3. Grenache – From McLaren Vale and Beyond
Overview: Grenache is a red wine grape variety that flourishes in warm, sunny climates. Known for its bold fruit flavors, Grenache is often blended with other varieties, but it also stands out as a varietal wine. It's found in regions from Australia to Spain, each bringing out different facets of the grape's character. At its best (and depending if other grapes are blended in with it), Grenache can be easily mistaken for all class Pinot Noir.
Key Regions
- McLaren Vale, Australia: Known for producing rich and ripe Grenache, McLaren Vale benefits from a Mediterranean climate that’s perfect for this variety. The region’s proximity to the ocean also provides cooling breezes, which helps preserve acidity while ensuring the grapes ripen fully. *Look to the Barossa for the world's oldest living Grenache vines producing absolutely, mind-bendingly good wines.
- Washington State & Santa Barbara: In Washington, regions like Walla Walla produce Grenache that retains freshness due to cooler nights. Santa Barbara, with its coastal influence, produces elegant Grenache with savory notes and a more restrained fruit profile.
- Priorat, Spain: Grenache (known as Garnacha in Spain) plays a significant role in the powerful reds of Priorat. The region’s rugged, slate-rich soils contribute to the grape’s intensity and minerality, producing wines that are deep and full-bodied.
- Southern Rhône, France: Grenache is the backbone of many wines from the Southern Rhône, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here, Grenache’s ripe fruit flavors are balanced by the region’s warm climate, which imparts a distinctive spice and herbal complexity. Syrah and Mourvedre play supporting roles in these wines.
Terroir & Climate
Grenache thrives in warm climates, and its expression can vary significantly depending on the region. In McLaren Vale, the warm Mediterranean climate and deep, sandy soils help produce wines with soft tannins and ripe fruit. In Priorat, the combination of high elevation, low rainfall, and poor slate soils stresses the vines, resulting in intense wines with deep, dark fruit flavors and earthy minerality. The Southern Rhône’s warmer climate produces wines with rich, jammy fruit, while cooler regions like Santa Barbara showcase more delicate, savory notes.
Tasting Notes
Grenache offers aromas of red fruit (strawberry, raspberry, cherry) and often has a hint of spice, such as white pepper, cinnamon, and herbs. It’s known for its smooth texture, which can carry flavors of licorice, leather, and sometimes even a touch of earthiness.
Alcohol & Body
Grenache wines tend to be medium to full-bodied with alcohol content ranging from 13.5% to 15%. They are typically smooth and plush on the palate, with ripe fruit and soft tannins.
Tannins & Acidity
Grenache wines have moderate tannins and medium acidity. The tannins are often soft, contributing to the smooth, round mouthfeel of the wine. The acidity can range from moderate to high, depending on the climate of the growing region.
Food Pairing
Grenache pairs well with a wide range of foods. Grilled meats, Mediterranean cuisine, roasted vegetables, and dishes with a bit of spice all complement its fruity and herbal profile. Try it with lamb, paella, or even a pizza with charcuterie and olives.
4. Bordeaux – A Return to the Classics
Overview: Bordeaux is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing elegant, complex red and white wines. The region’s classic red blends often include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, while white Bordeaux wines are typically based on Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. In 2025, Bordeaux is seeing a resurgence of interest, with wine lovers turning back to the classics in search of high-quality yet accessible bottles.
Key Regions
- Left Bank: The Left Bank of Bordeaux, including famous appellations like Médoc, Pauillac, and Margaux, is home to Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends. These wines are known for their structured tannins, deep color, and aging potential.
- Right Bank: On the Right Bank, in regions like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, Merlot is more prevalent, producing wines with softer tannins and a fruit-forward character.
Terroir & Climate
Bordeaux’s climate is temperate and maritime, with the Atlantic Ocean influencing the weather patterns. The region’s gravelly soils on the Left Bank are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, while clay-rich soils on the Right Bank favor Merlot. Bordeaux’s climate provides the perfect balance between ripeness and acidity, making these wines highly age-worthy.
Tasting Notes
Red Bordeaux wines typically offer dark fruit flavors, such as black currant, plum, and cherry, along with earthy, herbal notes. As these wines age, they develop complex aromas of tobacco, leather, cedar, and graphite. White Bordeaux wines, often made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, display crisp citrus and green apple notes, with some bottlings offering a creamy texture and honeyed flavors from the Sémillon.
Alcohol & Body
Red Bordeaux wines generally have an alcohol content ranging from 13% to 15%, with a medium to full-bodied structure. The white Bordeaux wines usually have a lighter body, with alcohol content between 11% and 13%.
Tannins & Acidity
Red Bordeaux wines typically have firm tannins and moderate to high acidity, especially from the Left Bank wines. The acidity in Bordeaux whites is crisp and refreshing, making them excellent companions for food.
Food Pairing
Red Bordeaux wines pair beautifully with roasted meats, particularly lamb, beef, and duck. They also complement rich dishes like braised short ribs and French cuisine. White Bordeaux wines go well with seafood, poultry, and goat cheese.
5. Rosé – From Bandol to Provence and Beyond
Overview: Rosé is no longer just a summertime quaff; it has grown into a serious wine category with a variety of styles and expressions. In 2025, we’re seeing an increasing focus on quality Rosé, from serious wines like those from Bandol and Tavel to lighter styles from Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon.
Key Regions
- Bandol, Provence, France: Known for its fuller-bodied, complex Rosé wines, Bandol produces wines with more depth and structure, often made from Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault. These wines are perfect for aging and often develop richer, savory flavors.
- Tavel, Rhône Valley, France: Tavel is a dedicated Rosé appellation, producing wines that are typically dry, with bold red fruit flavors and a distinctive herbal character.
- Provence, France: The heart of Rosé production, Provence is known for its light, refreshing, and crisp Rosé wines, with delicate citrus and strawberry notes.
- Languedoc-Roussillon, France: This region offers a range of Rosé styles, from light and fresh to fuller, fruit-driven wines. The diversity of terroirs and grape varieties makes this region a hotbed for experimental and quality Rosé.
Terroir & Climate
The best Rosé wines come from regions with a Mediterranean climate—hot days and cool nights—that allow the grapes to ripen slowly and maintain freshness. Provence’s gravelly soils and Bandol’s limestone-rich soils contribute to the aromatic complexity of Rosé wines. In Languedoc-Roussillon, the diverse terroirs help create a broad range of styles, from light and crisp to more intense and complex wines.
Tasting Notes
Rosé wines can range from pale pink to deep salmon, with flavors of fresh strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, and citrus. Serious Rosés like those from Bandol and Tavel can also show notes of herbs, spices, and even a touch of minerality, while lighter styles, such as those from Provence, offer fresh and zesty fruit flavors.
Alcohol & Body
Rosé wines typically have an alcohol content between 12% and 13.5%, with a light to medium body depending on the region and winemaking techniques.
Tannins & Acidity
Rosé wines tend to have very low tannins, but they often have moderate to high acidity, giving them a refreshing quality and making them perfect for food pairings.
Food Pairing
Rosé wines are incredibly versatile at the table. They pair well with fresh seafood, grilled vegetables, Mediterranean cuisine, and lighter meats like chicken and turkey. Serious Rosés from Bandol and Tavel are excellent with richer foods like charcuterie, grilled meats, and ratatouille.
Extras: German "GG" Riesling and Top Riesling from Alsace
Overview: Germany’s GG (Grosses Gewächs) Riesling is a step above the rest, representing the pinnacle of quality for dry Riesling. Similarly, the Alsace region of France produces exceptional dry Riesling wines that showcase the grape’s crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. These wines are some of the best expressions of Riesling in the world. These are the wines we will buy to "treat ourselves" in 2025.
Key Regions
- Germany: The GG classification is reserved for wines from top vineyard sites, ensuring the highest quality dry Riesling. Regions like Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz produce Rieslings with balance, complexity, and aging potential.
- Alsace, France: Alsace is known for producing dry, full-bodied Rieslings with great structure. The region’s terroir, influenced by the Vosges Mountains, imparts distinctive mineral notes to the wines.
Terroir & Climate
The cool, continental climate of Germany’s top Riesling regions allows for the slow ripening of the grapes, preserving acidity and developing complexity. In Alsace, the unique microclimates created by the Vosges Mountains help produce wines with exceptional freshness, minerality, and depth.
Tasting Notes
GG Rieslings are known for their precise balance of fruit, minerality, and acidity. Expect flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and stone fruits, with underlying notes of wet stone and herbs. Alsace Rieslings are similarly vibrant, with flavors of citrus, peach, and a distinct flinty quality.
Alcohol & Body
GG Rieslings usually have an alcohol content around 12-13%, with a medium to full body. Alsace Rieslings typically fall in the same alcohol range and are similarly medium-bodied, with a refreshing but complex mouthfeel.
Tannins & Acidity
Both GG Riesling and Alsace Riesling have high acidity, which gives the wines their vibrant, zesty character. Tannins are minimal, allowing the fruit and mineral notes to shine.
Food Pairing
Riesling’s high acidity makes it perfect for pairing with spicy foods, particularly Asian or Indian cuisine. It also complements seafood, poultry, and rich cheeses like Munster and Brie.
Here's to a Year of Exploration in Wine
As we step into 2025, the world of wine is filled with endless possibilities for discovery. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore, these five wine varieties—Torrontés, Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Bordeaux, and Rosé—offer a diverse range of flavors, aromas, and experiences. From the bold, aromatic Torrontés of Argentina to the complex reds of Bordeaux, there’s something for every palate and every occasion.
But don't stop there—this year also beckons with exciting wines from unexpected regions like McLaren Vale and Washington State, and new insights into classic favorites like Rosé and Chenin Blanc. Embrace the opportunity to try something new, experiment with food pairings, and dive deeper into the stories behind each bottle.
The beauty of wine lies in its ability to connect us to the land, the people, and the traditions that shape it. So, take a moment in 2025 to explore these fantastic wines, expand your wine horizons, and share your discoveries with friends and family. Here's to a year of great wines, new experiences, and unforgettable moments.
Cheers!
