Santi Solane Valpolicella Ripasso
Valpolicella is a top-quality wine from Italy, which collectors queue up year after year. Santi Solane Valpolicella Ripasso consists of 70% Corvina grapes and 30% Rondinella grapes. This blend helps to boost the wine’s potential and extend its life span (often Molinara also serves this role). This “Ripasso” method involves the wine going through a first fermentation and then a second fermentation with Amarone grapes, as well as their skins. It is a complex, rich wine with a strong tannic structure. This is because it spent time in oak barrels before being bottled.
Santi Solane Valpolicella Ripasso has intense cherry, earth, spice, and tobacco notes. It is known for its strong bouquet, which carries right through to the mouth. It is elegant and dry with crisp acidity. This is what you need on a cold winter night.
Moric Blaufrankisch
Although Blaufrankisch is not a well-known name, it’s one of Austria’s most interesting and unique grape varieties. Moric, one of the most renowned producers of this popular red wine grape for centuries, creates a wine that’s both intense and spicy while still having a refreshing kind of tang. Moric Blaufrankisch is a wonderful example of the Austrian terroir, with aromas of cherries, rosemary, chocolate, and dark fruits. Sweet berry flavours combine with citrus hints, creating flavours that remind you of sea minerals. The crisp acidity of the wine ensures that the wine is dry.
Although Moric Blaufrankisch is strong enough to withstand the winter chills, it’s not a great candidate for aging. You won’t regret drinking this wine now.
Stag’s Leap Winery Petite Siah
Although most wines made for enjoying by a fireside are Old World, there are many New World wines. One is Stag’s Leap Winery Petite Sirah, especially the 2011 vintage. The Napa Valley wine seems larger because of the intense spice flavours of cumin and dried chilis. The wine is balanced by vanilla notes that don’t dominate, but they are not overwhelming. It’s 13.9% and has a well-integrated tannin structure. The wine is smooth and silky.
This Petite Sirah, which retails at $39, is one of our most expensive recommendations. It’s worth spending a little extra and saving for a winter storm.
Churchill’s Estates Douro
Wine lovers all over the globe know Portugal’s Douro region well, mainly because of its main export — port wine. Although port can be a source of inspiration, it is not meant to be consumed similarly to other easy-drinking wines. The excellent table wines being produced by local winemakers are helping to make the Douro region a popular choice. Churchill’s Estates Douro has aromas of plum, tobacco, and pepper with a little bit of cassis. The wine’s cigar box characteristics make it a great accompaniment to a winter fire.
Churchill’s Estates Douro is delicious on its own but will be even more enjoyable when paired with a juicy steak or mixed grill platter.
Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon
We return to Napa Valley and are met by Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the “biggest” wines in this category. This red is rich in dark berry flavours and almost bursting with the aromas of stewed currants. To balance the wine, notes of chocolate, coffee and toffee are present. The medium tannins that support it keep everything in control. Clos Du Val is a rare example of Napa Cab. If you are willing to look, you will likely find a bottle at a very affordable price.
There are many vintages, but you will almost certainly be satisfied with a bottle of 2013 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon. You’ll be paying top dollar for older bottles, though.
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz
It would be irresponsible not to include South Australia on a list for winter wines. There are many reasons. South Australian Shiraz is a meatier wine is one of them. Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz has the perfect blend of peppery aromas and flavours of black plums and cassis.
This wine’s oakiness is outstanding and makes it stand out as a Fireside Red.
Claude Cogne Cabernet Franc
Claude Cogne Cabernet Franc is a must-have for anyone who enjoys pepper and other spicy flavours. This fireside red from France’s Loire Valley is a great complement to spicy foods. It has rich blackberry and herbaceous notes. Although it’s fruit-forward, the wine is balanced by its strong tannin structure.
Claude Cogne is a great example of Cab Franc and can be purchased for just $14.