5 Winter Wines to Swear By

Well folks, I don’t know about you, but here in the Pacific North West, it seems winter has hit already. Technically, we still have a few weeks to go until the official arrival of Mr. Cold & Bitter, but whatever, it’s not sunny.

As such, we need to be ahead of the game with our winter wonderland picks for those frigid evenings when all we want to do is cozy up by the fire. Oh wait, that’s just a dream for me. No fireplace pour moi.

Here are a few of my recommendations for “winter wines to swear by”. Hope you’ll try some (or all) of them, and let me know what you think!

CONO SUR “BICICLETA” VIOGNIER

(Chile)

If you’re a white wine drinker, and still enjoy sipping a chilled white on wintery evenings, may I suggest this wine. Vintage after vintage, it delivers for its price point. This Viognier always leaves a great impression on me; it is filled with floral and stone fruit notes, and its body can hold its own with a variety of foods including hard cheeses, Asian dishes, and soups. ~$13.00 CAD after tax

BENCH 1775 CABERNET FRANC clone 214 [2013]

(Canada)

This wine will keep you comforted as you discover its beauty. It has ageing potential, so feel free to keep it until late winter or very early spring (if you can wait that long)! It shows notes of black cherry, cassis, crushed raspberry, pepper, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The tannin structure is slightly grippy, but if you are a meat lover, be sure to try this with dinner. Pair with beef short ribs, hearty chilli, or some Tony Bennett. Has won various silver medals and accolades. ~$34.50 CAD winery price

LE PIANE ‘MAGGIORINA’ [2015]

(Italy)

This vino rosso is a blend of 12 different varieties, and not to worry, it will still tickle your tastebuds. This 12.5% abv wine is medium bodied and well suited for pairing with a good book. Fresh cracked, black pepper, dark fruit, eucalyptus, and wine gum are just a few notes you’ll discover in this bottle of dry vino. Cassis and plum are also evident on the palate. This wine is a journey to take. ~$32.00 CAD after tax

GRAY MONK PINOT NOIR [2015]

(Canada)

Cool climate Pinot Noir can be quite delish! This particular vintage carries all of the classic characteristics of the heartbreak grape though this is a “drink now” Pinot Noir. Tart cherry, cranberry, and hints of leather and spice are present. It is a light bodied wine, so enjoy on its own or with hummus, Greek salad, or chicken in a mushroom sauce. ~$20.00 CAD after tax

SEGURA VIUDAS BRUT RESERVA CAVA

(Spain)

Feel like poppin’ some bub? I know many of you are on that #bubblequest. Cava is always a good choice if you are in the mood for a bit of something different. Cava is Spain’s sparkling wine, much like Champagne belongs to France. This particular kind of wine always delivers for the price, and won’t break the bank. Citrus, almond skin, dried apple, and a dusty minerality are all yummy notes you will find in this light intensity wine. ~$20.00 CAD after tax

Cheers!

The Demystified Vine

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