New year, new you? Well, that might be a little ambitious, but incorporating new wines into the new year is much more feasible. Here are 4 must-try bottles for 2026.
Wine Bottles That Are a Must-Try in 2026
Sparkling: Ken Forrester “Sparklehorse” 2019, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Made entirely of Chenin blanc, this Cap Classique is aged for 18 months on the lees, plus an additional couple of years in bottle. It offers a rich mouthful of creamy bubbles redolent of baked apple, pie crust, and pear tart. In PA, by special order on finewineandgoodspirits.com.
White: Galen Glen Stone Cellar Riesling 2022, Lehigh Valley, PA
Some critics out there have called this Pennsylvania’s best white wine, and it’s hard to argue. It’s simultaneously rich in aromatics and flavors of citrus, peach, and apple, but it remains razor sharp and light on the palate. It finishes dry, too. It’s plenty juicy and delightful now, but you can hang onto this for years if you want a more honeyed and richer expression.
Rosé: GD Vajra Rosabella 2023, Langhe, Italy
While we often gravitate toward southern France for pink wines, head instead to Piedmont, Italy, for this absolute delight. Made from Nebbiolo, the powerful red grape of Barolo and Barbaresco, this rosato is a gem thanks to its aromas and flavors of red raspberries, tart grapefruit, and zesty apple. This wine is incredibly food-friendly, too, and makes an excellent partner for charcuterie.
Red: Bodegas Vegalfaro “Caprasia Anfora” Bobal Crianza 2020, Utiel-Requena, Spain
It’s hard to believe this kind of quality comes at such a low price, but that’s often the case with Spanish wines – including this Bobal from the Valencia region. If you like dark fruits (think blackberries, mulberries, plums) with a hint of toastiness and herbs like lavender, this wine is for you. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and it’s made from organic grapes to boot.
Story by Adam Knoerzer
Photo Courtesy of Max Tutak
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