RAISE A GLASS

We made it to another year. I hope you sailed through Christmas and New Year enjoying the company of family, friends and – of course – an enjoyable glass or two.

If you suffered from isolation blues I’m so sorry; fingers crossed that 2022 is the bearer of better times.

In my drinks’ writing calendar, January means low alcohol, Veganuary, Dry January and Ginuary.

Not that I follow any of them; but perhaps you do. My thoughts across this long month will touch on those subjects and more – so let’s start. Many winemakers produce veganfriendly wines – and my first of the month is this one from Aldi: Specially Selected French Roussanne (£6.99).

Roussanne is a grape variety originally from the Rhône where it often plays its part in blends. But it sometimes waves its own flag, taking prominence in its own right. In this wine, crafted in another part of France, the warm, southerly Pays d’oc, it is joined in the blend by its Rhône grape cousin viognier.

Acidity initially dominates the palate and the fruit – apricots, apples, pears and citrus – run along to catch up. It has a nutty, creamy texture.

Perhaps you’re simply cutting down on alcohol this month, rather than doing the full Dry January.

A pretty pink which dreams of warmer days ahead is Hacienda de Lluna 2020 (£5.29 or £4.29 in a buy 12 deal at Laithwaites).

It’s a semi-sparkling, slightly sweet, Spanish wine from Valencia at only 5% abv. The feminine, floral, fruity, spicy, moscatel grape is at its heart.

Bring some early springtime days into your cloudy, damp, January life and wake up your senses with a sip of this wine, with tapas and cheeses. Oh, and a dessert if you must.

Pinot noir is my favourite red grape and I was pleased my next choice hit the mark in terms of lower alcohol.

The Doctors’ Pinot Noir 2020 (£13-£14.95, Booths, gerrardseel.co.uk, frontierfinewines.co.uk) is 9.5% abv.

It hails from New Zealand where Dr John Forrest pioneered a special system in his vineyards to produce wines that are naturally low in alcohol but still flavoursome. It speaks of why I love pinot noir. It is silky and soft, with peeps of red fruit and cherry, with gentle tannins and a wave of herbs and savoury notes.

■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.