This winter, enjoy some wines that will complement the heartier, richer meals of the season! We've found the best winter wines for you to try.
It may not feel much like winter in Colorado right now, but we assure you it still is! Along with the cooler weather comes heartier, warmer meals full of bolder flavors and spices. Those meals require bolder, spicier, and richer wines as pairings than the light, cool wines we all enjoy in midsummer! We've found some of the best winter wines, with the complexity and depth you're looking for to go along with those soups, hearty meat dishes, gooey pastas, and chocolatey desserts.Cabernet Sauvignon
[caption id="attachment_30553" align="aligncenter" width="501"]
Photo courtesy of Jordan Winery[/caption]
I know, I know. Captain Obvious over here is recommending one of the most obvious winter wines on the planet. But the perfection of Cabernet Sauvignon in winter bears repeating! It's the perfect pairing for a true stick-to-your-ribs meal. It's also much more than just a pairing -- it's a truly complex wine with layers and subtlety.
Food Pairings: Steak, brisket, duck, goose, and mashed potatoes.
Chardonnay
[caption id="attachment_30554" align="aligncenter" width="552"]
Photo courtesy of VinePair[/caption]
Every wine has its perfect time. That perfect time is right now for rich, full-bodied Chardonnay. Dominant flavors of vanilla, butter, caramel, and just a hint of citrus make it a surprisingly good alternative to hot buttered rum.
Food Pairings: Chicken, turkey, mushrooms, cream pasta sauce, and cream-based soups.
Port
[caption id="attachment_30555" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Photo courtesy of The Spruce[/caption]
If you think you don't like Port, you just haven't tried the right Port yet. This is a guaranteed good choice by the fire and on the longest, coldest winter nights. Your best bet is to start with a Ruby Port, the least expensive and lightest of the Port styles. Then you can work your way up to the more complex Tawny Ports, which are teeming with complexity and concentrated flavors.
Food Pairings: bleu cheese, Black Forest cake, chocolate truffles, and cherry pie.
Champagne
[caption id="attachment_30556" align="aligncenter" width="499"]
Photo courtesy of Wine Enthusiasts Magazine[/caption]
New Year's Eve may be done, but that doesn't mean you have to stow the Champagne until 2019! Seriously, Champagne is a fantastically versatile drink -- there's no reason to restrict it to one day out of the year. It's light and refreshing, and pairs surprisingly well with different foods. It can get pretty expensive, but there are a lot of solid affordable alternatives.
Food Pairings: Fries, bacon, potato chips, cheese, and nuts.
Shiraz
[caption id="attachment_30557" align="aligncenter" width="501"]
Photo courtesy of Naked Wines[/caption]
The Australian Shiraz is best described as rugged. It's big, it's brooding, and it's strong. Shiraz is most known for its black fruit flavors and high ABV, usually around 15 percent. This offering is not for the faint of heart, but it's sure to warm you up on a cold winter night.
Food Pairings: Grilled meat, specifically game like venison and boar.
Viognier
[caption id="attachment_30558" align="aligncenter" width="501"]
Photo courtesy of Weekly Wine Journal[/caption]
We're going to wrap our list up with a bit of a different offering. Viognier is a light and slower white wine known for having peach, tangerine, and honeysuckle flavors. Why are we recommending a springtime wine on this list? Well, let's be honest. Sometimes, in the middle of a late winter snowstorm, you just need a glass of springtime to remind you that the sun is going to come back!
Food Pairings: Roasted chicken, pork chops, squash, and fruits like mango and apricot.
What's your favorite winter wine to enjoy on a snowy night in? Share your favorites in the comments below!
