Cold winter weather and holiday gatherings are the perfect excuses to open a bottle of wine. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or simply cozying up near the fireplace, a glass in hand makes for a better experience.
If you need help deciding which one to get, here are our recommendations for the best winter wines.
Sparkling Wines
Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2013
This bright gold English wine is just as good as or even better than its French counterparts. Some even compare it favorably to Champagne. With hints of citrus, apples, and pastries, you won’t regret trying it out for the coming Christmas luncheon.
Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2014
Made with red grapes but still completely clear, this sparkling wine comes from North Coast, California. It has a fruity aroma and lush, rich bodied flavor. If you’re looking for something to pair with fresh salmon or pork roast, this will fit the bill.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne NV
This isn’t a drink you serve at any old party. Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Rosé is the type of wine you set aside for those extra special occasions and shared only with extra special people. Tastes wonderful and you can even have it throughout a meal.
White Wines
Planeta Etna Bianco 2016
An Italian white wine, the Etna Bianco has a mineral flavor profile with dried citrus taste and aroma. Winemaker Planeta recommends pairing it with raw fish, fresh fruit, fish appetizers, and soft cheese. It’s also a great match for Christmas staples like ham and turkey.
Barboursville Reserve Viognier 2015
Barboursville describes their Reserve Viognier as “Effusively fragrant, refreshing and luscious, without oak.” You’ll taste flavors such as green apple, honeydew, and peach. It’s even been described as having an exotic spice like eggnog – which makes it well-suited for holiday toasts.
Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2016
This white wine has a balanced flavor with notes of ripe fruits and is made from the Arneis grape. Once close to disappearing from vineyards, this particular grape has been enjoying a resurgence in recent decades. Pairs well with fresh cheese and Italian ham.
Red Wines
Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne 2015
If you’re looking for a red wine to serve guests, this is one to consider. Its flavor goes well with tomato-based Italian cuisine and dishes like hamburgers and barbecues which aren’t difficult to find at celebrations during this season. Versatile and affordable, each bottle provides a lot of value.
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore 2009
Another bottle that’s best reserved for special celebrations, this wine is from Veneto, Italy. Each sip is filled with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, cherry, and chocolate. According to winemaker Dal Forno Romano, the wine pairs with rich dishes with red meat, grilled and braised meats, and strong flavored cheeses.
Saint Cosme Gigondas 2016
With notes of dark fruits and spices plus a smoky aroma, Saint Cosmes Gogondas is a food-friendly wine. Goes great with braised beef cheeks, meatloaf, grilled steak, sausages, and roasted pork. And it tastes even better after you let the wine decant for a while.
Bonus: Dessert Wine
Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage 2011 Port
End a meal with something that’ll keep you warm and cozy. Along with its sweet and intense flavors, you can expect a fruity aroma and smooth texture from this Portuguese wine. Best enjoyed with blue cheeses, chocolate or berries for dessert.
The Greek playwright Euripides once said, “Where there is no wine there is no love.” So what are you waiting for? Hand out those glasses and spread the love!