As we head into the colder months, a glass of red wine becomes the choice of warmth for many diners enjoying winter dinners like steaks and pies. Johnny Inglis, who founded the Winedrops.com subscription club, observed a significant seasonal trend in drinking habits.
He said: “We see a 70 per cent increase in red wine orders in September as a lot of people don’t tend to want a refreshing cold drink in winter like white wine, especially when you’re eating hearty foods like roasts and stews.”
He points out the physical attributes that make red wine appealing in chillier times, saying: “Red wine often has a higher alcohol content and more tannins that make it more comforting in colder weather.”
Additionally, he mentions the flavours that resonate well with wintry tastes: “It’s also got more cosy flavours such as chocolate, leather and blackberry.”
When considering which red wines to pick this winter, Inglis offers some expert guidance, suggesting shoppers look for medium and full-bodied reds as the mercury drops: “Check labels for regions such as Gamay and Pinot Noir from Beaujolais, and Burgundy.”
For those looking for specific full-bodied options, he recommends: “Full-body reds I’d recommend include Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux, Primitivo from Puglia and Amarone from Veneto.”
Inglis shares his personal preference too—a classic Cote Du Rhone—for its particular profile: “It has a brambly fruit flavour underpinned by subtle oaky nuances and a lovely sweet spice. Imaging warm star anise with a touch of cinnamon, reminiscent of mulled wine.”
Not forgetting viral trends, he suggests red wine fans try a well-known Rhone wine: “Fans of the viral ‘chicken wine’ should try their red wine from the Rhone region of France too, La Vieille Ferme, and it’s £7 in Sainsbury’s.”
The wine connoisseur highlighted that 19 Crimes is a particularly sought-after red wine, attributing its popularity to its slightly sweet, bold and jammy flavour, reports the Express. The expert pointed out that it’s mainly a Shiraz blend, also known as Syrah, suggesting that fans of this wine might also enjoy an Australian Shiraz.
Johnny advised: “My best advice is to spend a little bit more on a bottle and you’ll get something of a much higher quality.”
He recommended: “Try and opt for wine from the Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, or Clare Valley. One of my favourites is Dandelion Vineyards, Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz, sold for £15.95 on Amazon.”