As the year winds down and the weather cools, red wines start to appear more appealing. There’s nothing quite like curling up in front of a fireplace with a glass of red wine and your coziest pajamas while it snows outside. Red wines are always a popular choice at holiday parties too. You already have your favorites, but if you’re looking for a gift for the wine lover in your life or you want to try something new to keep you warm this winter, check out these seven wines.
Carmen Stevens Angel’s Reserve Shiraz
No matter what you’re eating this holiday season, Carmen Stevens Angel’s Reserve Shiraz might be the perfect red wine for you. Full-bodied, with a strong, peppery blackberry flavor and hints of oak and smoke, Carmen Stevens Angel’s Reserve Shiraz is sure to be a hit. It’s made from grapes harvested in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Shiraz wines pair well with most foods, which makes them perfect for a varied holiday meal or adventurous eaters.
Arabella Cabernet Sauvignon
Another South African wine, the Arabella Cabernet Sauvignon, is so rich and smooth you would never guess it tends to sell for less than ten dollars a bottle. It’s one of the Breede River Valley’s top-rated wines with plum, black currant, and oak notes. Serve the Arabella Cabernet Sauvignon with cheesy and creamy pasta dishes or red meat to fully enjoy this wine’s indulgent flavor, secure in the knowledge that red wine may actually be heart healthy.
Kirkland Signature Carneros Pinot Noir
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Carneros Pinot Noir comes from Napa Valley, California. While the vineyards in this area have been threatened by wildfires in recent years, this doesn’t seem to have affected the quality of the wine being produced. Like most pinot noir wines, this one is on the lighter side and considered medium-bodied. A hint of vanilla in this wine’s aroma brings out the full potential of the strawberry, rhubarb, and cherry flavors. Consider serving the Kirkland Signature Carneros Pinot Noir with roasted chicken, pasta, or fish.
Ménage à Trois Silk
Ménage à Trois Silk is a California red blend for people who don’t like red wine. It’s a mix of pinot noir, malbec, and petite Sirah grapes, with none of the bite or acid that tends to deter potential red wine drinkers. Hints of violet and rose petals give Silk a more flowery feel than many of the wines on this list, with a flavor that oscillates between cherry and raspberry. Silk features just a touch of spice that is sure to satisfy. Brilliantly red in color, Silk is the perfect holiday wine. Enjoy a glass with a decadent chocolate dessert.
Apothic Red Blend
With its dark and alluring label, Apothic’s Red Blend is one of the most eye-catching wines on the shelf. Another California red blend, this wine is a mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, and zinfandel grapes. Featuring black cherry, vanilla, and mocha flavors, Apothic’s Red Blend is on the dry side and leans toward being full-bodied. This wine is suitable for serving with almost anything, but it’s best enjoyed in the company of friends and loved ones making it a great choice for the holidays this winter.
La Posta Malbec Pizzella
A South American wine from the Uco Valley area in Argentina, La Posta Malbec Pizzella is bold, dry, and smooth with tannins you’ll hardly notice, making it another good wine for those not sold on reds to try. It features a rich and complex array of flavors, including plum, black cherry, licorice, and tobacco and spice hints. Malbecs are mellower than Cabernet Sauvignons, but they still have the backbone to stand up to hearty foods and red meats. You can put a bottle of La Posta Malbec Pizzella on your holiday dinner table with confidence.
Quinta do Vale Meao Tinto
All of the wines on this list have been very affordably priced, but the holiday season is all about splurging, so why not try a slightly pricier red wine? Another red blend, this wine comes from Douro, Portugal, and usually sells for around 100 dollars a bottle. Quinta do Vale Meao Tinto is made from a mix of indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, giving it a unique flavor you won’t find in wines outside the Douro area. A dark, dense wine with hints of cherry and rosemary, it’s best served with gamey meat like venison. Quinta do Vale Meao Tinto needs to age several years, so keep that in mind when selecting a vintage if you want to drink it immediately.
With such a wide range of red wines available, you’re sure to find one you like. Whether you’re having a quiet night in, a festive holiday party or you’re looking for holiday gifts for the wine lover in your life, consider one of these seven wines to help you keep winter’s chill away.
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