Drinking at home this New Year [Top 5 affordable wines]
During New Year's, there are many opportunities to relax and enjoy drinks at home with family, relatives, and friends, eating delicious food such as osechi.
We want to enjoy some extravagant food and alcohol during New Year's, but we can't drink expensive wine every time, right?
We asked Yuta Okada, wine sommelier at Lucia's, about the best affordable wines to drink at home this New Year.
It's affordable and easy to purchase, so take your time sipping some wine over the New Year holidays.
[Delicious Japanese wines in the 1,000 yen range] 5 sommelier recommendationsDrinking at home this New Year [Top 5 affordable wines]
Western-style New Year's dishes are also becoming more common, which are perfect for pairing with wine.
There are also wines that go well with Japanese food, so why not try some and compare them this New Year!
① Takahata Wine Yoshi Sparkling Chardonnay NV 750ml
(Sparkling wine Japan)
Reference price: ¥1,848
[Recommended for a toast!]
A sparkling wine made in Japan that is well known around the world.
Made with 100% carefully selected, fully-heated Chardonnay from Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture.
The clean, refreshing bubbles make it pleasant to drink and it goes well with any type of Japanese, Western or Chinese cuisine.
The name of the wine, "Yoshji," means "auspicious" or "joyful," so it's perfect for New Year's!
The labels are also gorgeous, so they are recommended as gifts or souvenirs.
②Cuvée Gyotaku [2020] Terre de Toile (Mitt Nat)
(White wine, France)
List price: ¥2,816
[Wine that pairs well with sashimi and sushi]
This winery is run by a married couple in the Alsace region of France. The wife is Japanese and was a chef at a restaurant in Akasaka for many years. Her family owns a sushi restaurant in Hokkaido !
This wine was created with the concept of "a wine that truly pairs well with sushi," and is a wine that brings out the umami of raw fish.
The wine labels are also easy to find as they feature a fish print design.
If you're a fish lover, this is a must-have wine.③Good Wine Pinot Grigio
(White wine South Australia)
List price: ¥1,761
[Wines that go well with all New Year dishes]
This is an introduction to a wine that was well-received when I was at a kaiseki restaurant.
A refreshing, dry white wine with a rich flavor and aromas of pear and apple.
This is a versatile white wine that pairs well with vinegared dishes and shellfish, which are said to be difficult to pair with wine.
This white wine is delicate yet has a solid base, so it pairs well with chicken and pork dishes, making it a perfect match for any of the ingredients in your New Year's cuisine.
The auspicious label reading " GOOD " makes this the perfect wine to open during the New Year !
It would also make a great souvenir or gift.
④Castillo de Maetierra Rivalis
(Rose wine Spain)
List price: ¥1,876
[Wine that goes well with shrimp and crab]
It has a history of winning the "Wine that pairs best with shellfish" contest, regardless of variety, country of origin, or price !
Pouring pink rosé wine into a glass will add a festive touch to your New Year's drinking at home.
It has a long-lasting fruity and refreshing aftertaste, so it's delicious to drink on its own, but you can also experience the so-called marriage by pairing it with shrimp or crab.
It also goes well with Chinese food !
The pop red illustration on the bottle has a festive feel to it, giving it a New Year's vibe.
⑤Niepoort et Carta Gold Tiger Label
(Portuguese red wine)
List price: ¥2,200
[Wine pairings with roast beef]
Speaking of New Year, this wine!
A Japanese designer designs the label of this wine for each year based on the zodiac sign.Not only does it have an eye-catching label, but the wine itself is also extremely well-made !
This wine, made from local grape varieties and typical of Portugal, has a concentrated flavor and is perfect with roast beef .
The label featuring the zodiac sign of the tiger seems auspicious, making this a wine perfect for opening with family and friends during the New Year holidays.
Compare affordable wines for the New Year
We have introduced some of the best, affordable wines to drink this New Year.
During the New Year holidays, why not celebrate the start of the new year by comparing wines and pairing them with New Year's dishes?
We also recommend using Lucia's wine goods to enjoy wine this New Year.
We stock a range of wine accessories that can be used as an alternative to decanters to elevate the wine you drink at home over the New Year holidays.