5 Must-Try Wines for 2025: Discover Bold Reds and Crisp Whites
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I may earn a commission if you purchase through the links provided, at no extra cost to you.Happy New Year, my fellow happy lushes! 🍷✨ As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to give your wine collection a little refresh. If you’re anything like me, you love discovering new varietals that bring excitement, flavor, and a touch of adventure to your glass. Today, I’m introducing you to five incredible wines you must try this year. Whether you’re a fan of whites, reds, or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone on this list.
1. Roussanne – Luxurious and Luscious
Roussanne is a white wine that’s all about elegance and depth. Known for its rich flavors of pear, honey, and herbs, this varietal is like a cozy, warm hug in a glass. Depending on the region, you’ll notice slight differences:
From France: A classic Rhône Valley Roussanne will bring out delicate floral notes and a smooth, creamy texture.
From California: Expect brighter citrus undertones and a hint of minerality.
Food Pairing Idea
Pair Roussanne with a roasted chicken dinner or a creamy mushroom risotto. The wine’s richness balances beautifully with these hearty dishes. This recipe from Love and Lemons is SO GOOD!
Shop this Roussanne on Wine.com
2. Furmint – Crisp and Unique
If you’re ready for something totally unique, Furmint is your go-to. This vibrant white wine from Hungary is crisp, zesty, and full of personality. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, even for those who usually stick to Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a terrific wine to serve at a party because it’s new to most people.
Dry Furmint: Think green apples, lime, and a refreshing acidity that wakes up your palate.
Sweet Furmint (Tokaji): Expect luscious notes of apricot, honey, and orange peel.
Food Pairing Idea
Dry Furmint pairs wonderfully with sushi or a zesty citrus salad. Try this delicious Citrus Avocado Salad from Half Baked Harvest. For sweet Furmint, try it with a creamy cheesecake or apricot tart.
3. Petit Sirah – Bold and Dark
Petit Sirah is the perfect red for those who love bold, full-bodied wines. With flavors of blackberry, cocoa, and a touch of spice, this wine is like wrapping yourself in a velvet blanket.
From California: Rich and fruit-forward with a velvety finish.
From Australia: Spicier and more robust, with smoky undertones.
Food Pairing Idea
Serve Petit Sirah with braised short ribs or a dark chocolate lava cake for a luxurious pairing that’ll have your taste buds singing. These braised short ribs from Food and Wine look delicious! I find my short ribs at Costco!
Try this Petit Sirah on Wine.com
4. Carignan – Juicy and Earthy
Carignan is a juicy, earthy red wine that’s packed with personality. This varietal often flies under the radar, but trust me, it deserves a spot in your collection. Another great wine to serve at a dinner party or give as a gift!
From Spain: Bold and rustic with notes of dried herbs and ripe berries.
From California: Brighter and fruitier, with hints of cranberry and pomegranate.
Food Pairing Idea
Carignan is a dream with a charcuterie board or a hearty vegetable stew. It’s a versatile wine that shines with savory and earthy flavors. Shane and Simple is a great vegan food blog for my veg heads out there. I’ve made a ton of his recipes and they always turn out great. Check out his veggie stew to pair with this wine.
5. Dolcetto – Delightfully Italian
Dolcetto, hailing from Italy, is the red wine you’ll want to open on a casual weeknight. With flavors of cherry and almond, it’s light, approachable, and oh-so-drinkable.
From Piedmont, Italy: Classic Dolcetto with soft tannins and a smooth finish.
From California: Slightly more fruit-forward with a touch of spice.
Food Pairing Idea
Pair Dolcetto with a Margherita pizza or a simple spaghetti aglio e olio. It’s also great with a cheese plate featuring fresh mozzarella or aged Parmesan. This tomato and herbed sheet pan pizza from Half Baked Harvest is so good. OMG. And her pizza crust is really easy to make. You gotta try it.
Try this Dolcetto from wine.com
Share Your Wine Adventures with Me!
Now that you’ve got your 2025 wine lineup ready, I’d love to see what you’re sipping! Share your wine photos on Instagram and don’t forget to tag me @TheHappyLush.
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Cheers to an amazing year of wine, connection, and new discoveries. Here’s to sipping something extraordinary in 2025! 🥂
Cheers, Courtney
P.S. Want more wine ideas for your next dinner party? Check out the wines below.
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