Cheers to the New Year!

A globetrotting wine expert shares five recent standouts.

Bonjour, Sophisticated Living! My name is Vicki Denig, and I’m a wine and travel journalist, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris. With each issue, I’ll be sharing five of my top recent wine discoveries with you, in hopes that you’ll enjoy them just as much as I did. Check out this edition’s selection below and be sure to let me know what you think! Follow along on Instagram at @vickidenig / www.vickidenig.com. 

Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée Brut NV

(Hampshire, England – SRP: $49.99)

Sparkling wine and the holiday season go hand in hand, though not all that glitters must be Champagne. This year, I was excited to try out this Classic Cuvée Brut from Hambledon Vineyards, located in the heart of Hampshire, England—yes, you read that correctly. While not a traditional winemaking country, England’s cool-climate conditions are highly conducive to growing grapes for sparkling wine production, especially in the wake of global warming. This flagship wine is made from the signature grape trio of Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) and is aged for an impressive minimum of three years on the lees prior to release. Elegant and well-balanced, the wine is dominated by flavors of baked apple, citrus, magnolia, and toasty brioche. Pop with fresh seafood or your favorite salty snacks for a seriously satisfying pairing.

Domaine Rougeot Bourgogne Côte d'Or Clos des Six Ouvrées 2023

(Burgundy, France – SRP: $64.99)

Burgundy is known for producing ethereal wines that promise to age gracefully over time—and this captivating bottle from Domaine Rougeot is no exception. Rooted in Meursault, winemaker Pierre-Henri Rougeot organically farms 13 hectares of vines in and around this revered Côte de Beaune village. In the cellar, Rougeot beautifully meshes a low-intervention mentality with strong respect for regional tradition, resulting in beguiling wines that leave a lasting impression. Clos des Six Ouvrées is made from 100% Chardonnay cultivated at the base of the hill of Meursault and is fermented with native yeasts in concrete vats before aging for 18 months in French oak barrels. Luxurious and round, the wine’s notes of yellow apple, peach, honeysuckle, and baking spice are balanced by ample amounts of refreshing natural acidity. 

Pax North Coast Syrah 2023

(California, USA – SRP: $37.99)

Pax Mahle is one of the original faces of the ‘New California’ wine movement, one that prioritizes balance and restraint over excessive ripeness and new oak. He moved to California with his wife in 1997 to source wine for Dean & Deluca, though just a few years later, he decided to start his own brand. Over the past 25 years, Pax has inspired an entire generation of winemakers with his minimalist philosophy, believing that “great wines can only be made from great vineyards.” This varietal Syrah comes from a handful of organically farmed sites across northern California and is vinified with 100% whole cluster prior to aging for 10 months in neutral French oak. Notes of wild berries, cracked black pepper, olive brine, and lavender lead to a long, palate-coating finish; if you tend to gravitate towards wines from the Northern Rhône, this bottle is certain to blow your mind. 

Giulia Negri Serradenari 'Pian delle Mole' Langhe Nebbiolo 2023

(Piedmont, Italy – SRP: $39.99)

Nebbiolo has become one of my favorite grape varieties, and expressions from Langhe are perfect for enjoying as ‘daily drinkers.’ Hailing from Piedmont, these “baby Barolos / Barbarescos” are youthful and bright—and contrary to their older siblings, are almost always suitable for immediate consumption. This bottling from Giulia Negri hails from high-elevation vineyards in the hills of La Morra, which are characterized by cool-climate conditions and marine sediment soils. In the cellar, the wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged for 14 months in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and large tonneaux. Lifted and aromatic, the wine’s supple palate is driven by notes of sour cherry, cedar, forest floor, and a touch of cooling balsam. Serve slightly chilled for maximum enjoyment!

Bastian Wolber Côte de Nuits-Villages 2023

(Burgundy, France – SRP: $155.00)

Although Burgundy is known for its prestigious grand crus and big-name producers, what I find most exciting about the region is its plethora of up-and-coming young winemakers crafting exciting bottles from lesser-known areas—cue Bastian Wolber and the Côte de Nuits-Villages. Born in Germany, Bastian honed his winemaking skills at Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Ganevat before ultimately setting out on his own in 2020. This Côte de Nuits-Villages comes from two parcels (Aux Vignottes, located across the street from the Clos de la Maréchale, and Aux Fauques in Comblanchien) and is vinified with 100% whole clusters with native yeasts prior to aging for 10-18 months in used barrels. Bright and energetic—just like the hands that make it—the wine exudes flavors of wild strawberry, cherry, rose petal, and sweet spice. I enjoyed this bottle at Lei, a new-to-the-scene wine bar in Chinatown from restaurateur Annie Shi; if you find yourself in New York anytime soon, it’s an absolute must-visit.