Sure, it’s already the end of February (even though January took two years) and we’re technically about to start looking into spring, but it really feels like winter has been dragging on forever. Waking up to bitter cold temperatures and dodging weird snow squalls halfway through the workday sure has gotten old.
So what do we do until the nights start getting longer and the sun comes out more often? Drink wine! Check out our suggestions below for some fabulous red wines to keep you warm as we make it through the rest of this winter season.
Shiraz/Syrah: This big, bold red is just what you need to warm up your frozen insides. It’s full of heavy tannins and earthy, smoky flavors which will give you those summertime grill vibes even though it’s dark and cold outside. Not to mention, it boasts a lovely 14-15% ABV which should help clear away any wintertime gloom. And to top it all off, the tannins present a lovely amount on antioxidants and therefore, Shiraz is good for you.
Suggestions: Bolt To Wines 2016 Sidekick; Beckmen 2016 Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah
Chianti Classico: A good Chianti can make even the coldest days feel warm and sunny again. There’s something soul-fulfilling about this Italian red with its old school reputation and classic beauty, especially the Chianti Classico. Just a little bit more refined, this Sangiovese-based wine is earthy and rustic, and pairs well with anything that tastes good. In fact, it is lovely even with your Seamless order so get comfy on the couch with a nice blanket and crack open a bottle of this while you dig into your aluminum tin of penne alla vodka. You’re welcome.
Suggestions: Casa al Vento 2015 Aria; Carobbio 2013 Riserva
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: The literal translation is “noble wine of Montepulciano” which has to tell you something about the quality of this wine. It’s a gorgeous red from the hills of Tuscany that gets picked at the peak of ripeness and aged in oak barrels. Bright fruit flavors and a lovely ruby red color make it a delight to drink, and it pairs well with pretty much anything you can think of. Plus, it’s a little different from whatever you’ve been buying for the last five years from the corner wine shop. Winter is the time to try new things, right?
Suggestions: Salcheto 2015; Boscarelli 2015 Costa Grande
Tempranillo: Nothing can brighten up a winter day like a spicy Spanish red! The dark fruit flavors and herbacious, earthy notes like dill and tobacco make it a perfect match for all the seasonal foods of winter: red meats, root vegetables, and everyone’s favorite carb- pasta. It can be aged for a pretty long time which results in the Reserva and Gran Reserva labels, so there are plenty of options to try.
Suggestions:Zuccardi 2016 Q Tempranillo; El Coto 2011 Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva
Port: Okay, we know the first reaction is to shy away from port but come on, it’s the perfect drink for winter. Hanging out by a fireplace, wrapped in a warm sweater, wearing furry slippers, sipping a little snifter of port? It’s straight out of the movie. It’s quite sweet but has an underlying acidity to balance it out, and is a fantastic finish to a large winter feast. And if it helps, the ABV is quite high so you’ll get a nice little buzz to keep you warm.
Suggestion: Quinta do Passadouro 2016 Passadouro Vintage (Port); Poças 2008 Colheita
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