It’s happened. The days are as short as can be, the rain is unrelenting and we have all packed away the last remnants of our summer clothes in favour of bulky sweaters and thick coats. Our evenings seem to start at 3pm and never end. Luckily, we have the perfect cure for this cold, dark, gloomy time - some amazing wine to warm you from the inside!
Cabernet Sauvignon
There is nothing better on a freezing cold, dark winter night than tucking into a rich, meaty dish packed with flavour and spice. The feeling of warmth as a steamy bowl of bolognese or a beef stew is placed in front of you. Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect match for these comfort foods; complex, warm, spiced. Each sip takes you further from the gloom and closer to that romantic, candle-lit movie scene we all dream about over winter. No? Just me?
Shop our Cabernet selection now.
Our staff picks:
Neverland Cabernet Sauvignon by Field Recordings, £24.
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon, £59.
Chardonnay
While the new style American Chardonnay’s (crisp, lemony and full of minerality) are a perfect compliment to the warm summer months, the winter pulls us right back to that classic American approach; balanced oak flavours of vanilla and nutmeg, a smooth and warming buttery finish and those special notes of honey that come out as it ages. These Chardonnays will all but bring the sun back!
Our staff picks:
Wonderwall Chardonnay by Field Recordings, £23.
Mannequin (Chardonnay) by Orin Swift, £40.
Zinfandel
With a strong spice profile, Zinfandel wines are a must have over the winter months. First, they compliment all the lovely black pepper, meaty dishes we are so keen on at this time of year (think a rich aubergine dish accented with star anise, or a tender peppery steak). Then, once the festivities are over, they help you hold on to the lovely memories you have just made while you wait for the darkness to lift. We all need a Zin style pick-me-up once in a while!
Shop our Zinfandel collection now.
Our staff picks:
Zinfandel by Napa Cellars, £22.
Estate Zinfandel by Grgich Hills, £42.
Something a bit different: we have a dessert wine made from Zinfandel to keep you going after dinner is over! Check out Il Padrone from Oak Farm, £36 for 50cl.
Sparkling wines
You cannot ignore sparkling wines over the festive period! From a glass of bubbles on a christmas morning all the way to celebrating the beginning of the new year in style, sparkling wines are an excellent way to add something special to our favorite days. If you’re toasting over a selection of canapes, then a smooth buttery American sparkling wine will fit right in. Ever the flexible drink, reach for a Blanc de Blancs ( like our one from Shramsberg & J Davis, £39) if you’re pairing with a fish dish, or go for a Sparkling rose if you want something that really makes a statement (we love the Brut Rose (BE) NV from Domaine Carneros, £35).
Shop our Sparkling wine selection now.
Our staff picks:
Evolution Sparkling by Sokol Blosser, £23.
J Schram by Schramsberg & J Davies, £99.
