Real talk: 2020’s best wines are already in your glass. Whether you’re chasing boldness, nuance, or a splash of summer, this year’s vintages are shaped by terroir, tradition, and a few rebellious twists. From volcanic soils to oak-aged Chardonnay, the 2020 lineup is a masterclass in balance.
Reds reign supreme in their ability to tell stories. Syrah from McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley delivers smoky, meaty richness, while Napa’s Grenache-driven blends pack raspberry sweetness with a scorched-earth edge. In Tuscany, Merlot-Cabernet Franc blends from Pomerol and Saint-Emilion quietly outshine Left Bank powerhouses, offering leathery spice and dark fruit. For Malbec fans, Luján de Cuyo’s 2016 and 2018 vintages are gold, with 2017’s riper profile adding a velvety layer. Meanwhile, Zinfandel’s old vines—survivors of Prohibition—produce wines that marry boldness with complexity, proving that tar and cherries can be a match made in heaven.
White wines are where restraint meets revelation. Chardonnay thrives in coastal regions like Chile’s Casablanca Valley or Oregon’s Willamette, where morning fog tempers heat. Oak-aged examples from Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune showcase nutty depth, while Rioja’s Viura gains richness with age, pairing honey and smoke with structured bitterness. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon’s herbaceousness transforms into oily, savory depth with oak, echoing Bordeaux Blanc’s legacy. For those craving crispness, Italy’s 20 regions offer unique whites—think bitter celery notes in Friuli or peachy sweetness in Rias Baixas’ Condado de Tea.
Rosé is the year’s secret weapon. Provence’s top wines blend Rolle (Vermentino) for freshness, but Corsican Rosé, with its Nielluccio and Sciacarello grapes, proves classic without PR. Spain’s Hondarribi Beltza, a rare Cabernet sibling, delivers green floral notes and carbonation, while New Zealand’s Central Otago experiments with whole-cluster fermentation for tannic, earthy Pinot Noir.
– Oak-aged Chardonnay thrives in coastal regions like Chile or Oregon, while Viura in Rioja gains nutty complexity with age.
KEY POINTS – Seek Syrah from McLaren Vale or Napa’s Grenache blends for bold, smoky depth. – Oak-aged Chardonnay thrives in coastal regions like Chile or Oregon, while Viura in Rioja gains nutty complexity with age. – Rosé’s future lies in rare grapes like Hondarribi Beltza and Corsican blends, not just Provence.
Close: What’s your go-to wine region for boldness, nuance, or something entirely unexpected? Share your pick below.
Questions & Answers
What’s the best red wine to buy in 2020?
Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are top choices. Look for reputable regions like Napa, Bordeaux, or Tuscany for quality and value.
How to store white wine properly?
Store white wine in a cool, dark place with stable temperature (50-55°F). Keep bottles upright to prevent cork contamination and avoid temperature fluctuations.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
