by Dean Kallas, Grocery Category Manager
When summer fades and winter arrives, wine enthusiasts set aside their refreshing summer favorites for heartier varieties. Now chewy Cabernets and tannic Syrahs are brought up from the cellar. Now viscous reds served at room temperature, come into their own. Now the powerhouse wines of winter take center stage!
Winter wines warm you with their generous alcohol content. They reward each sip with a complex panoply of flavor. They bring cheer to the heart and fellowship to the dinner table. What better way to spend a long winter evening than curled up by the fireplace savoring the wines of the season?
I find a nice hearty red for any occasion is the Jaboulet Parallèle 45 Côtes du Rhône. This time of year we sell more Malbecs, more Pinot Noir, more Syrahs. If you are looking for something new, try our Pizzolato Cabernet Sauvignon. White wine drinkers tend to appreciate dry, oaky Chardonnays when the temperature starts to drop. Our Cline Chardonnay is especially tasty. For a middle alternative, consider a California Zinfandel like the Shannon Ridge High Elevation Zinfandel. Or you might like a slightly lighter malbec.
What’s for dinner?
A chill wind blows against the window panes. Inside, friends and family gather for a warm meal and a glass of sturdy wine. If pasta is on the menu, be sure to match your wine to the color of the sauce. Lasagna pairs well with reds like Chianti or malbec. With fettuccine alfredo, serve a full-bodied white, like the Veramonte Chardonnay. Roast turkey is often served with Beaujolais, but you might try a fruity Rosé like our popular Jean de Roze Cinsault Rosé. When my Greek mother is cooking lamb, I usually bring a bottle of the Copertino Riserva, which is made with one of my favorites—although lesser known—grape varietals, the Negroamaro.
For lighter fare, stick to lighter wines. A fruity Riesling can be pleasant alongside rice and vegetables. When making stir fry, the boldness of the wine should not overwhelm the flavor profile of the dish. The more spices you use, the bolder the wine you can serve.
Pop the cork and spread the cheer!
The season of celebration is here. Holidays and football, homecoming and New Year’s Eve; there is always a good reason to raise your glass. But what to put in it? There is no wrong answer. Your Co-op has a bottle for every occasion and taste.
Mimosas are nice and refreshing and perfect with brunch. All you need is orange juice and a bottle of good prosecco. If old friends are back in town, consider a bottle of locally made favorite Wollersheim Prairie Fumé. When you are really in the mood to splurge, offer your guests a glass of our mighty Auctioneer Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is the perfect time of year for a wine-tasting party. Buy a few bottles of your favorite varietal, then invite guests to bring a bottle of the same. They will enjoy comparing them. You might even put each bottle in a numbered bag and invite guests to rate each anonymous selection. One need not be a connoisseur to have an opinion. An enjoyable wine tasting can feature any wine—red or white, dry or sweet, even Champagne.
Champagne is not just for New Year’s Eve, of course. Many people like to keep a bottle on hand for any happy news. Daughter scored the winning goal? Grandson made the Dean’s List? For an extra delight, try garnishing your champagne with fresh fruit. Or mix sweet champagne with cognac and a dash of lemon for a classic Soixante Quinze.
Winter has never been my favorite season, but there is no denying that it is prime time for fine wine. Why let winter blues get you down when hearty winter reds are in season?
Tasting notes and wines to try
The wines I am recommending here are at all of our stores. They represent some of the best winter wines in my opinion. I hope you have a chance to give them a try this season, because I believe you will enjoy them all!
Cline Chardonnay
Price: $12.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietal: Chardonnay
Country of Origin: California, USA
Tasting Notes: Peach, melon, butterscotch vanilla finish.
Veramonte Chardonnay
Price: $11.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietal: Chardonnay
Country of Origin: Chile
Tasting Notes: Made with organic grapes. Pear, lemon, papaya.
Donna Laura Bramosia Chianti Classico
Price: $18.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietals: 85% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot.
Country of Origin: Italy
Tasting Notes: Cherry, spice, cedar.
Inkarri Malbec
Price: $14.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietal: Malbec
Country of Origin: Argentina
Tasting Notes: Made with organic grapes. Blueberry, cherry, smooth.
Pizzolato Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $12.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: Italy
Tasting Notes: No sulfites added, organic and vegan certified wine. Red berry, herb.
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Zinfandel
Price: $12.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietals: Zinfandel
Country of Origin: California, USA
Tasting Notes: Certified sustainably farmed. Blackberry, plum, spice.
Antech de Limoux Réserve Brut
Price: $15.49
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietals: 90% Mauzac, 5% Chenin, 5% Chardonnay
Country of Origin: France
Tasting Notes: Sparkling. Apple, lemon, tart fruit.
Copertino Riserva
Price: $12.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietals: Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera
Country of Origin: Italy
Tasting Notes: Cherry, earthy, tobacco.
Iris Vineyards Pinot Noir
Price: $21.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: Oregon, USA
Tasting Notes: Pomegranate, raspberry, plum.
Auctioneer Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $27.99
Size: 25.36 fl oz
Wine Varietal: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot
Country of Origin: California, USA
Tasting Notes: Plum, vanilla, cherry, blackberry.