Winter is officially in full swing, how is everyone doing so far? Have you seen the sun this week? Did the snow force you from leaving your house? Has the cold made you pull out that big jacket you thought you wouldn’t have to wear?
When it comes to winter, most of the country experiences some sort of temperature drop and depressing weather, but you know what can make that better?
Drinking wine! (Responsibly of course)
Now that we’re through the holiday season, but still have to deal with the dreary weather and frigid temperatures, it can be a bit depressing. But while we wait for the weather to improve, why not try some incredible wines that are perfect for the winter.
These wines offer a nice sense of warmth during the winter months, while also pairing well with warm, hearty meals that you may enjoy during the cold.
Whether you’re looking for a nice glass of wine to sip by the fireplace or a great bottle to serve during a gathering, here are some great wines for the winter.
Great Winter Wines
Red Wines
If you’re looking for some great red wine varietals to drink this winter, there is no shortage of excellent options.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Syrah/Shiraz are all great wines for those cold winter nights. With their bold, rich flavor profiles and high alcohol content, these wines can cut through rich and heavy foods such as steaks, stews, roasts and casseroles. At the same time, the alcohol content can help make you feel warm and cozy on those cold winter nights.
These types of wines also pair extremely well with spices associated with winter. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves are often used in winter dishes and will compliment the food nicely.
If you’re looking for a great Cabernet Sauvignon, consider our Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon!
White Wines
If you’re looking for a white wine that stands out during the winter, a Chardonnay or a Viognier are two great options.
These wines will also pair very well with winter-inspired dishes like poultry, ham, vegetables and butter-based pasta dishes. Chardonnay is known for its rich, buttery notes as well as oak undertones which makes it great for creamy dishes. While the Viognier has more hints of fruit which pairs nicely with savory winter dishes.
Combine those flavors with hints of vanilla, and you’ve got yourself some great options for the perfect winter wine and food pairing.
Mulled Wines
Mulled wines are red wines that have been heated alongside various spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange peel. They embody the flavors associated with winter and the holidays, so of course they are going to be the perfect winter wine.
Mulled wine can help warm the body through alcohol content or serving temperature. It can be served warm or at room temperature depending on your tastes, but is the perfect drink to have at your next dinner party. It can easily be made in large batches and can even make your house smell incredible depending on what spices you use.
Dessert Wines
Looking for something sweet to help finish a big winter meal, then dessert ones should be on your radar. Dessert wines tend to be a lot sweeter and rich when compared to table wines, so they are often used to help compliment the sweetness of a dessert.
Dessert wines also tend to have a higher alcohol content which can help warm you up on those cold winter nights. Whether you’re enjoying a port, sherry or even and ice wine, these types of wines are perfect for after your meal.
Sherry wines pair very well with cheese and nut based desserts, while ice wine is great for desserts that are fruit-based and chocolate.
Winter Wines
These wines will help make the winter months a little more bearable. They combine the flavors of winter, while also providing a sense of warmth, while also pairing very well with food associated with winter.
The spices in the foods and the hints of spice in the wines compliment each other extremely well and are perfect for enjoying on your own or with a group.
Don’t let the winter get you down, try to make the best of it. Invite some friends over for a dinner party or a small gathering and impress them with your knowledge of wines that are perfect for the winter. Go a step further and pair these delicious wines with a nice hearty, warm, winter meal and really blow their minds. While any wine can be enjoyed during any season, finding the right food and wine pairing can elevate your meal, as well as your wine, to the next level.
Austin Family Wines offers a wide variety of delicious wines that will compliment any winter dinner party or gathering. Visit our shop to buy yours today!