From lesser-known varietals to hidden gems from overlooked regions, there is a world of undiscovered flavors waiting to be explored by wine enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to expand your palate or impress friends with your knowledge, these 32 underrated wines offer a unique tasting experience.
Carménère
A fruity, dry red wine with hints of strawberry and cherry, Carménère is perfect for fans of Zinfandel and Primitivo. Subscribing to a wine service can help you discover new favorites and save money.
Counoise
Primarily found in the Rhône valley, Counoise offers a spicy and berry-filled alternative to Zinfandel.
Priorat
A rich Spanish blend, Priorat is ideal for lovers of Grenache and Carignan, with a complex flavor profile that includes hints of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Valpolicella
Produced in Italy's Veneto region, Valpolicella is a fruity red wine that appeals to Merlot and Amarone fans, offering notes of cherry, raspberry, and spices.
Amarone
A dry red wine from Italy, Amarone is similar to Merlot but with flavors of black cherry, brown sugar, and chocolate.
Monastrell
Also known as Mourvèdre, Monastrell is a bold and smoky Spanish wine with hints of dark berries and cocoa.
Mencia
From Spain and Portugal, Mencía is a medium-bodied red wine that rivals Pinot Noir and Malbec, with aging potential and a dark berry profile.
Nero Buono
Grown in central Italy, Nero Buono is a medium-bodied red wine with a soft, dark-berry profile similar to Shiraz.
Vacqueyras
Hailing from France's Rhône Valley, Vacqueyras offers a soft, herbal red wine experience with bold flavors and punchy notes.
Gigondas
A full-bodied red from Gigondas in France, this wine is a great alternative to Côtes du Rhône or Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with clay and cured meat notes.
Barbaresco
For Italian wine lovers, Barbaresco is a tannic red with herbal and meaty flavors, similar to Chianti and Barolo.
Brunello di Montalcino
An herbal dry red wine, Brunello di Montalcino is a great Italian alternative to Côtes du Rhône, offering clay and meaty notes.
Dolcetto
An underrated Italian wine, Dolcetto is a dry herbal red with truffle and forest flavors, a delicious alternative to Burgundy.
Barbera
A juicy herbal red, Barbera from Italy features blackberry and truffle notes, similar to Beaujolais.
Agiorgitiko
From Greece, Agiorgitiko is a spicy red wine with black pepper notes, a hidden gem worth exploring.
Vin Gris
A unique rosé wine, Vin Gris offers a light berry flavor and off-dry taste, perfect for casual sipping.
Tavel
A bold dry rosé from France, Tavel surprises with its dark pink color and complex Grenache blend.
Mâconnais
Featuring the Chardonnay grape, Mâconnais wines from Burgundy offer floral, citrus, and fruity notes similar to Pouilly-Fuissé.
Pinot Blanc
Different from Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc is a high-acidity white wine with pear and citrus flavors, akin to a Chardonnay.
Garganega
With creamy notes, Garganega from Italy's Veneto region is a rich white wine similar to Chardonnay or Chablis.
Silvaner
A light citrusy white from Germany, Silvaner is perfect for fans of Picpoul or Pinot Grigio, with a refreshing taste.
Assyrtiko
From Greece, Assyrtiko is a light-bodied wine with citrus and honeysuckle notes, a delightful alternative to Chablis.
Verdicchio
Popular in Italy, Verdicchio offers a floral grapefruit taste, ideal for fans of Pinot Blanc and Vermentino.
Verdejo
A Spanish white with peach and grapefruit flavors, Verdejo appeals to Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts.
Touraine
Producing various wines, Touraine offers white, red, rosé, and sparkling options, perfect for Loire Valley wine lovers.
Cortese
Known for its acidity, Cortese from Italy features citrus and almond notes, similar to Gavi and Pinot Grigio.
Orvieto
A dry white wine with floral and citrus flavors, Orvieto is a balanced Italian option with lemon and green apple characteristics.
Côte de Beaune
Featuring Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Côte de Beaune wines are full-bodied and high-quality choices similar to Bourgogne.
Tokaji
Known for its sweet tropical honey flavors, Tokaji from Hungary is rich and creamy, ideal for sweet wine lovers.
Vouvray
Offering versatility, Vouvray from France can vary from dry and oaked to sweet and fruity, catering to different wine preferences.
Blanc de Noirs
Made from black grapes, Blanc de Noirs offers a fruity and full-bodied Champagne experience, appealing to Blanc de Blancs fans.
Cremant
An affordable alternative to Champagne, Cremant from France features Chenin Blanc grapes and pear, honey, and citrus flavors, a delightful sparkling wine choice.