When you think winter, you tend to think of cozying up by a fire, enjoying seasonal dishes, and big bold wines. And while many of us equate “big bold wines” with reds, that’s not always the case. A good winter wine has a warming quality to it that pairs wonderfully with cold weather, and they aren’t all reds.
We’ve put together some of our top cold weather bottles, both red and white, that may not be on your winter wine list, but definitely should be.
Zinfandel
With its big, spicy, and jammy flavors, Zinfandel stands up to hearty, warming foods, and its high alcohol content pairs perfectly with snuggling up on a cold winter’s night.
Palama Arcangelo Primitivo – lush, yet bright and approachable with notes of dark anise cedar and blackberry confit
Ridge Zinfandel Lytton Springs – a rich and aromatic Zinfandel that’s a perfect accompaniment to a hearty winter chili.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an earthy, spicy, and hearty wine that pairs well with winter foods due to its deep, meaty, smoky flavors.
Jean Royer Chateauneuf Du Pape Tradition – A high-pitched mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh red berries peppery spices and smoky minerals along with a hint of candied flowers.
Dauv Ranvier Chateauneuf Du Pape – A core of dried plum, crushed blackberry and licorice root notes that expands to show bay leaf, tobacco and chestnut accents.
Oaked Chardonnay
A judiciously oaked Chardonnay brings toasty, warm flavors of burnt sugar, vanilla, and spice making it a perfect winter white with a medium body and plenty of warm, toasted, buttery characteristics.
Luca G Lot Chardonnay – A smooth mix of melon, tropical fruit, vanilla and woody aromas open this high-elevation, mostly barrel-fermented Chardonnay.
Domaine Serene Evenstad Dundee Hills Chardonnay Reserve – Big and warm with sliced baked apple and hints of pie crust, as well as pralines and vanilla flavors.
Vasse Felix Chardonnay – The nose is fruity but delicate, combining melon and peach notes with cashew, wet stone and a briny, seashell nuance.
Lambrusco
Lambrusco is a delicious sparkling Italian red wine with light effervescence and slightly lower alcohol content. The sparkle means it pairs wonderfully with the more savory or fatty foods typically served during the holidays.
Lini 910 – Deep electric-purple in color, bursting with dark berry flavor, and much more dry than sweet, this is a crowd-pleasing fizzy red.
Cleto Chiarly Lambrusco Premium Vecchia – Delicately floral, dry, and bursting with juicy red berry notes.
