Have you ever heard someone refer to a wine as being “rustic” and have zero clue what the hell that means? Most often, this term is used for a wine that exudes a sense of ruggedness, earthiness and authenticity true to the specific grape varietal. It may lack the polish and refinement often associated with more elegant wines, instead offering a raw and unpretentious charm.
Rustic wines typically have higher levels of acidity than their opulent counterparts and showcase a crunchy sort of character with robust (and possibly mildly gritty) tannins, with a true sense of terroir. These rustic-style wines are less about oak aging and various post-fermentation techniques that help impart other flavors and tame tannins; they are more about location, climate and soil letting the vineyard and fruit do the talking. It’s like taking a hike on a cool, cloudy day through a rough and bumpy trail filled with fallen leaves and tree roots, as opposed to sitting in a warm hot tub at a five-star resort in the Swiss Alps. These wines often will feature aromas and flavors of wild or dried berries, herbs and various spices and have a prevalent earthy undertone.
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A classic example of a rustic wine is Chianti, particularly those from traditional producers that are keeping the Old World style for their wines. Chianti wines are renowned for their rugged charm, with flavors of tart cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and dusty tannins. The searing acidity in Chianti makes it the perfect pairing for all those delicious Italian dishes that feature a marinara sauce, since the acidity in each balances out the other. (This is why Chianti is such a fantastic pizza night wine option.)
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Cru Beaujolais is another wine that exudes rusticity. Unlike its light, fruity and easy-drinking buddy, Beaujolais Nouveau, these Gamay-based wines often display a terroir-driven undertone with bright red-fruit flavors, lively acidity and a distinct mineral and crunchy edge. This is another example of a wine that pairs perfectly with local fare, such as coq au vin or a perfectly prepped charcuterie board.
So, if big, powerful and opulent wines like Napa Cabs or Australian Shiraz are your jam, then a light, crisp and gnarly Australian Zweigelt may not be up your alley. But that rustic Zweigelt may end up eliciting wine emotions that you never knew you had. The only way to find out is to give a wine like that a whirl and see how it makes you feel.
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Published: May 17, 2024
