Here are some of the Best Wines for Winter
During the cold winter days, most people want to feel warm and develop good spirits. Just like we switch our choice of clothes during the winter, so too do we switch over to winter wines! There are some wines that are preferable during the hot summer months, and there are some great wines that are meant to be consumed during the winter months. The best wine for winter will not only warm you up but enhance your mood and hopefully brighten your day or night. Contrary to some beliefs, you should not just save your white wines for the summer. But, it seems that overall, red wine is preferred during the cooler months, especially full-bodied wines with a high amount of tannins. For example, a dark, rich Pinot Noir will go perfectly with sitting in front of a fireplace or during a nice warm meal.
Whether you are somewhere cold, sipping your best wine for winter in front of a fireplace, or pairing winter wines with your favorite meals down south, here are some cold-weather wines that will truly enhance your winter experience.
Top Winter Wine Recommendations
Cabernet Sauvignon. This is one choice for the best wine for winter. This full-bodied wine with dark fruity flavors and high levels of tannins pairs well with Saturday evening movies or a winter party. In addition, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs exceptionally well with meaty dishes, such as roast beef, venison stew, steak, glazed lamb, barbecued ribs, or duck. The bottom line is you will start to feel instantly warm and satisfied when you partake of this drink.
Pinot Noir. This wine is a classic choice that has characteristics of lighter wine notes that enable the drink to balance very well with the heartier foods that are served more often in the winter, such as casseroles, stews, and meatier dishes.
Chenin Blanc. For those not big on red wines, there is Chenin Blanc. This light-bodied white wine, which thrives in cooler weather, is also great for the winter months. The flavors do vary depending on where it is made, but one consistent feature is that it pairs well with fall favorites foods, like roasted parsnips, butternut squash soup, and all types of pork. It is one of the great wines to sip next to a fireplace.
Riesling. Perhaps the best wine for winter months is Riesling. Even though Riesling has a reputation for being sweet, there is a whole category of Rieslings that are dry or off-dry. These Riesling varieties boast all types of natural fruity flavors, like peach, apricot, apple, and pear. Riesling is the easiest wine to pair with a wide range of foods; but it also pairs well with spicy and curried foods. Finally, if you want to enjoy your Riesling, check the alcohol content. The low alcohol content Rieslings tend to be sweet, whereas the higher alcohol content wines are more dry.
Champagne or an ice wine. Of course, this is a traditional festive drink that shows up regularly around holidays and special occasions. They can act as not only a mood booster, but a palate cleanser as well. Champagne can help lift your spirits thanks to the zinc, potassium, and magnesium contained within it. And Ice Wine just goes perfectly with that wintery vibe.
Enjoy the best wine for winter by including it with nice wintery meals and snacks. There is no wrong occasion to enjoy good winter wines, so check out some of our favorites on our Shop Page!