Winter Wine Pairings You Will Love

December 21, 2020 9:00 am

Every season has wines which we are more drawn towards and that isn’t a coincidence. During the winter months, we tend to lean towards red wines. Here’s why you like to cozy up to the fire with a full-bodied red and what to pair it with.

What are the Winter Wines?

During the winter, wines have different qualities than the wines that we drink during the other seasons. Winter wines generally are:

• Heavier and Richer
• Served at a Warmer Temperature
• Less Fruity
• Deeper in Color

Why Do We Prefer Heavier Wines in the Winter?

Red wine has a way of warming the soul—even in those bitter winter months. That’s because full-bodied reds and whites tend to have a higher alcohol percentage. So you’re not imagining it when you think your wine is warming you up… it is. We also tend to eat heartier foods in the wintertime, such as meats, broths and stews. These richer wines we pair with our foods cut through the savory flavors. So, the wines that we drink have the same qualities as the food that we eat.

What Makes a Wine Deeper in Color?

Tannins come from the skin, stems, and seeds of the grapes when making wine. When there are more tannins in a wine, it not only has a higher alcohol content but a deeper color. Because there are more parts of the grape being used, winter wines tend to be darker and less fruity.

Winter Wines Pairings

1) Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the world’s most recognized red wine grape varietals, is perfect for both beginner and the most seasoned red wine drinkers. We recommend that you pair this wine with grilled steaks and other red meat dishes, as well as sharp and aged cheeses, potatoes, and holiday roasts.  

2) Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is one of the more versatile and food-friendly red wines that can be matched with a whole range of dishes. The wine consists of earthy and fruit flavors consisting of cherries, raspberries and mushrooms. We recommend pairing this wine with dishes consisting of truffles, meaty fish such as salmon and tuna, and sharp cheddar. 

3) Sangiovese

Sangiovese is a dry red wine with high acidity, a strongly fruity aroma and flavors consisting of cherry, plum, and red currant. This high acidity allows it to pair very well with pizza, pasta with meat, gnocchi, roasted veggies, and lamb chops.

4) Shiraz/Syrah

This wine is made in warm climates and boasts of fruity notes, but with a lingering peppery finish. This varietal pairs well with spicy and international cuisine (Thai, Indian, etc.). We recommend pairing it with BBQ Pork, grilled lamb, stewed tomatoes, and chocolate cakes. 

5) Champagne

We can’t have a winter wine list without mentioning Champagne. Champagne is a French sparkling wine typically made from a blend of three grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier. There’s no better drink to have in hand than a glass of bubbly to ring in the new year. It also pairs really well with a wide variety of holiday dishes, including oysters, steak, caviar and fruit deserts.

Enjoy the Best of the Winter Season at Delamar

With three convenient and dog-friendly locations throughout Connecticut, DELAMAR is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

Artisan Restaurant is a proud winner of the 2020 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Our restaurants include artfully curated menus with locally and seasonally inspired dishes, as well as an exhaustive wine menu. Our sommeliers can help choose the perfect bottle for your palate at each of our restaurants.