11 Great Winter Wines

The holidays may be over, but that is no reason to leave wine in the cellar. Last week we looked at 10 Great Winter Beers, but wine is another great way to unwind after a cold, winter day. With a little help from our good friend Michael LeGue at Best Cellars-UWS in New York, we’ve selected 11 wines that will be as kind to your wallet as to your tastes buds.

Churchill’s Late Bottle Vintage
A wonderful Port to drink either as an aperitif or as a dessert. Ports are usually rich and sweet, with a higher alcohol content that is sure to warm you from the inside out. Churchill’s Late Bottle Vintage has a caramel taste to it that is reminiscent of a Heath candy bar. $32

The Royal Oporto Ruby Port
Another wonderful Port. Just as sweet as the Churchill’s, the Royal Oporto taste is less like a candy bar and more like jam with rich, wild berry flavors. $12

Santi Solane Valpolicella Ripasso
For a wine that can be paired with any food, the Valpolicella Ripasso is a delicious red. The slightly spicy Italian wine is wonderful with meaty dishes like spaghetti and lasagna, but smooth enough to sip on its own. $15

Domaine Mathieu Cotes Du Rhone
The French wine is well-balanced with notes of cherry that make it a flavorful finish to any day. Perfect for sipping by the fireplace or pairing with turkey or chicken to complete a meal. $15

Graham Beck
For an interesting blend, Graham Beck combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz for a smooth smokiness from South Africa. Excellent with grilled dishes, this varietal sure to satisfy those with an adventurous palate. $11

Col des Vents Corbieres
Another varietal is the Col des Vents Corbieres, a blend of Carignon, Grenche and Syrah. This sweet and subtle wine is light enough to drink alone, paired with a good book or lighthearted movie. $13

Domaine de Larzac Merlot Vins de Pays D’Oc
This full-bodied Merlot is perfect for the steak-and-potatoes type. Rich, hearty and sure to satisfy, it’s also delicious if you just happen to be eating steak and potatoes. $14

Claude Cogne
If you love spicy food, a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley in France is the way to go. Claude Cogne is fruit forward, with the taste of rich blackberries that will nicely contrast any red-hot dishes. $14

Root 1
Any list of wine is not complete without a Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Root 1 is our pick. Perfectly balanced with a delicate earthiness and subtle fruits, this Cabernet is so smooth it can be sipped alone or stand strongly next to any meaty meal. $15

Valkenberg Pfalz
Many white wines are too light for the dreary winter months, but a flavorful Gerurztraminer is bold enough to brighten any winter day. The Valkenberg Pfalz from Germany is sweet with strong fruits and spices to bring new life to any heavy chicken or fish dish. $14

Domaine de Valensac
For the lovers of Chardonnay, we suggest the Domaine de Valensac. Without the overly obtrusive oakey and buttery flavors that are found in many Chardonnays, this fruit-forward wine is the missing ingredient to any evening meal. $15