Winter Wines

There is something quiet and magical about wintertime. The shorter days allow for quiet nights in, perhaps a homecooked meal, and maybe even a couple of game nights. Do you know what pairs well with all of those things? WINE! Unlike the fruity and light choices of summer, winter wines are all about comfort, warmth, bold varieties, and classics. Here are some choices to consider according to Wine Folly. 

1. Nebbiolo

Whoever came up with the phrase “appearances can be deceiving,” must have had Nebbiolo in mind. Yes, it looks pale and pleasant like Pinot Noir, but this Piedmontese beast has high acidity and grippy tannins that will make for an experience you won’t soon forget. Decant for 45 minutes and watch it rain complex rose, cherry, and leather flavors all over your palate. You won’t know what hit you.

Classic Regions: Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Valtellina, and Gattinara

Food Pairings: risotto, charcuterie, winter squash, mushrooms, truffles, fancy silverware, and food cooked in quenelles

2. Shiraz

‘Tis the season for something rugged. Best described as big, brooding, and boozy, Australian Shiraz is known for its powerful black fruit flavors, savory undertones, and high ABV (14%-15%), thanks to plentiful Down Under sunshine. It’s not for the faint of heart or palate, but it’ll warm you up in a hurry.

Classic Regions: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale

Food Pairings: grilled meats, venison, boar, leather club chairs, and snow banks

3. Sangiovese

We promise to keep high-acid and high-tannin Italian wines to a minimum on this list. (OK, we can’t promise that.) But can we gush about traditional Sangiovese for a minute? Earthy and rustic, it goes with all kinds of winter eats and even vegetarian fare. Added bonus: Its complex nose is perfect for sitting, sniffing, and contemplating New Year’s resolutions. BTW, resolve to drink a Brunello this winter. You’ll thank us later.

Classic Regions: Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico

Food Pairings: tomato sauce, roasted winter veggies, sausage, pizza, hard cheeses, and cigars

4. Cabernet Sauvignon

We can hear you now: “Thanks for the rec, Captain Obvious.” Still, just how awesome Cabernet Sauvignon is this time of year bears repeating. We’re all eating rib-sticking dishes, accumulating mass for hibernation, and Cab is a no-brainer pairing. But it’s also more than a eating companion, it’s a thinking person’s wine. It’s layered, complex, and if you go Old World, surprisingly subtle. Maybe it’s just us, but you never really know Cabernet Sauvignon. You just continuously rediscover it.

Classic Regions: Médoc (Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux), Graves, Napa Valley, Maipo, Coonawarra

Food Pairings: pepper steak, brisket, holiday roast, duck, goose, lentils, and mashed potatoes

5. Chardonnay

It’s so cool to hate on oaked Chardonnay. No, we can’t get behind that. Every wine has a time and a place. The time is now for rich, buttery Chardonnay. Full-bodied with dominant flavors of vanilla, butter, caramel—and a touch of citrus—it’s quite an alternative to egg nog and hot buttered rum.

Classic Regions: California (North Coast, Central Coast, Santa Barbara), Burgundy (Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Grand Cru Chablis, Pouilly-Fuissé), Willamette Valley, New Zealand

Food Pairings: chicken, turkey, sea bass, lobster, comté and gruyere cheese, mushrooms, cream sauce pasta, and cream-based soups

While this is just scratching the surface of the wine choices for winter, try something new and embrace the season!  Need help selecting the perfect ingredients for your night in? Stop into Universal Fine Wine & Spirits today! At Universal Fine Wine & Spirits, we want to make sure you are going home with the perfect drink to complete your fall meal so ask away. We will be more than happy to help answer any of your questions. Come in and talk to an employee, give us a call at 727-937-8330, or visit our website.

Sources:

https://winefolly.com/tips/14-winter-wines-youll-love/