Some of you may be planning on having a “dry January” after the excesses of the holiday season, or 2020 in general.  However, I suspect most of you will continue drinking through January, as we continue to socially distance and stay home.  What else is there to do? If you’re starting to feel slightly ashamed about the number of bottles in your recycling bin every other week, but know that a dry January isn’t going to work for you, a focus on wines with lower alcohol may lessen the shame.

For a lower alcohol white, Riesling is a good choice. Dry Rieslings, with their higher acidity, pair well with fried chicken, fish, and cream sauces.

Boundary Breaks from the Finger Lakes is an excellent version of dry Riesling, coming in at about 12% alcohol. Starting with citrus and apple flavors on the nose, lime, minerality, and some ginger warms the palate. The tension one looks for in a great Riesling is present, with bright acidity on the finish. $16 from Wineworks or online from Wine Library.

I know that German wine labels can be slightly intimidating. Just remember that the higher the alcohol content, the drier the wine will be.  If the label says 7.5%, it’s not going to be a dry Riesling. For a dry Riesling, look for 11.5% and above.

If you want an easy, steadfast choice, Dr. Loosen has a dry Riesling called “Dr. L” available at Total Wine in Cherry Hill for about $11.  It’s a great value for a peachy, citrusy wine with that famous Mosel lightning (tension) and minerality on the palate and finish. 

For a lighter red, try a Gamay from Burgundy. These are Beaujolais Villages or cru Beaujulais (not Beaujolais Nouveau- that is bubble gum juice), and being French, have the labels of the village rather than the grape varietal on the label. My preferred villages are Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin à Vent. 

Gamay is an excellent and often overlooked food-pairing wine. It elevates roast chicken, pan-seared salmon, and creamy cheeses. Coming in at around 12-13% alcohol, these medium-bodied reds are a good choice for a lighter January.

Jean-Marc Burgaud makes a quality Morgon Côte du Py with notes of cherries, cassis, and licorice, available at Wineworks for about $22 (Wine Advocate 94 pts). Moore Brothers carries a couple Beaujolais Villages by Domaine de Robert, one from Morgon ($19) and one from Fleurie ($21).

À votre santé!