Understanding Dry Wine This January
Dry January... One Honest Wine
Dry January is often misunderstood. Many people think it means stepping away from wine entirely, but for me, it’s really about awareness — understanding what’s in your glass and choosing wines made with intention, balance, and honesty.
That’s why, this month, I want to focus on one wine that represents exactly what dry truly means in the wine world: our Corash Cannonau Riserva from Sardegna.
This is not a wine designed to be flashy or sweet. It’s a wine rooted in place, tradition, and time — and it’s a perfect companion for a thoughtful Dry January.
What “Dry” Means in wine
When I describe a wine as dry, I’m not talking about a sensation. I’m talking about sugar — or rather, the lack of it.
Wine begins as grape juice, naturally rich in sugar. During fermentation, yeast transforms that sugar into alcohol. In the case of Corash, fermentation is allowed to finish completely, leaving only trace amounts of residual sugar. Nothing is added. Nothing is masked.
What remains is structure, texture, acidity, and flavor — a wine that expresses its grape and its land without shortcuts. That is dryness in its purest form.
Sugar in Wine: Where It Comes From (and Why Corash Cannonau Has So Little)
All sugar in wine comes from the grape itself. There is no added sugar in Corash Cannonau. The sweetness you may perceive in some wines comes from residual grape sugar left behind when fermentation is stopped early.
With Corash Cannonau Riserva, we let the yeast do its work patiently and fully. The result is a wine that is naturally low in sugar, yet rich in character. The sensation of ripeness comes not from sweetness, but from ripe fruit, balanced alcohol, and careful aging.
This is why dry wines like Corash fit beautifully into Dry January: they are honest, transparent, and grounded in craftsmanship rather than manipulation.
Corash Cannonau Riserva: A True Expression of Sardegna
Cannonau is Sardegna’s soul. As a proud member of the Grenache family, it thrives in the island’s rugged landscape, shaped by wind, sun, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Corash Cannonau Riserva spends 12 months aging in small oak barrels, a deliberate choice that adds complexity without overwhelming the wine’s natural voice. The result is a layered and elegant expression of Sardegna’s terroir.
In the glass, Corash shows a deep garnet red color with purple highlights. The nose is refined and inviting, offering aromas of ripe cherry and raspberry, gently framed by subtle toasted wood.
On the palate, it is dry, full-bodied, and soft, with a velvety texture that unfolds slowly. The finish is long and persistent, designed to be savored rather than rushed. Each sip carries the story of tradition, patience, and generational knowledge.
Why Corash Belongs at the Table — Even in January
Dry wines don’t need sweetness to be satisfying. Corash proves that structure and balance create their own kind of richness.
This wine pairs beautifully with:
Roasted or grilled red meats
Game dishes
Aged cheeses such as Pecorino Sardo or Parmigiano Reggiano
Hearty Mediterranean cuisine
Its refined tannins and balanced acidity elevate food rather than overpower it — exactly how a serious dry wine should behave at the table.
For the best expression, serve Corash between 64 and 68°F, allowing its aromatic depth and structure to fully emerge.
A Final Thought for Dry January
Dry January doesn’t have to be about restriction. It can be about choice.
Choosing wines with less sugar.
Choosing wines with intention.
Choosing wines that tell a story.
Corash Cannonau Riserva is my invitation to experience Dry January the honest way through a wine that is dry not by trend, but by nature.
Cin cin,
Try the Wine:
