5 WINES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR THE REST OF WINTER!
I don’t know about you but I find January to be really, really tough month. Though it’s the start of a new year, and the new year always seems to be full of promises when it’s still January, for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere and in cold climate conditions, January can be a very long and dreary (and often, endlessly grey) month. Sadly, there are almost two more months of winter conditions to get through too, which frankly, can make any one of us feel down and dreary.
Let’s add to this that we are in the midst of COVID-19, and (at least in my case) a severe lock-down which leaves one with very little to do and….well….you get the picture. January ain’t pretty!
Having said that, there is definitely the other side of the equation. With freezing conditions and cold, grey skies comes ample opportunity to relax and recharge indoors. Perhaps you like to read, or write, knit or sew, cook or bake or build and fix things. Whatever your passion, there is time to get into it right now!
And what could make indoor time better than good wine?! The perfect accompaniment for long, dreary days and/or colder temperatures that just have you preferring to stay indoors.
With this in mind, I’ve curated my most recent selection of 5 wines that you definitely need to try this month! My list is based on the LCBO’s most recent Vintages release (January 23, 2021 release date) and has a focus on wines to suit our current times. All of the wines that I have selected are available in major markets and online, across the globe.
If you’re a reader that is located in Ontario like myself, it’s worth noting that this most recent LCBO’s Vintages release includes 95 wines for the enjoyment of wine lovers across Ontario, with a focus on wines from Chile and B.C. (British Columbia) Canada. If you’re thinking that’s a lot of wine to shift through and to pick from, I hear ya! But hey, that’s why I am here with my handy-dandy list of top picks, ready to make your life, and your meals, better! :)
Check out a few of the wines that I think are worth your time and money, below.
And listen, I don’t get paid to recommend any of these wines. I only do so only because I personally find them compelling so you can count on the fact that I truly think they are worth your time. Now let’s get to it!
NOTE - If you’re shopping at the LCBO, remember that product availability will vary from location to location, and not all products last very long. Click the links below to check availability at your preferred store, or online.
All images below are taken from the LCBO website.
MY TOP FIVE PICKS TO GET THROUGH THE REST OF JANUARY…AND WINTER!
Celene Cuvee Royale Rose Cremant de Bordeaux $19.95 LCBO Product #16604
Cremant de Bordeaux offers incredible value when it comes to sparkling wines, in my view. This sparkler, which is made in the traditional method just as Champagne is made, is available at a super affordable price point.
Made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Muscadelle, this is definitely not going to taste like a traditional Champagne - rather it will be full of red fruit notes, a touch of sweetness and a nicely perfumed nose thanks to the grape varieties that have been used. A sparkling wine to pair with food, for sure!
If you’re bored at home and wanting to jazz things up a bit without breaking the bank, or perhaps simply want to try something new, I highly recommend checking this wine out!
89 points - Wine Enthusiast
2018 Indomita Old Vines Dry Farmed Gran Reserva Carignan $17.95 Product #16627
Carignan is usually a blending partner in wines, especially from the South of France. Here, you get a wine that is 95% Carignan from a region (the Maule Valley in Chile) that makes some very exciting examples in this style. You’ll notice that the wine label makes reference to old vines and dry farming - both very good things when it comes to wine.
You can expect this wine to be full of vibrant red fruit and a good level of acidity, both which makes it great to pair with a wide range of fruit. You honestly can’t go wrong at this price point either!
Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon $24.95 Product #649160
Montes is a well established name in Chilean wine internationally and is truly one of the pioneers of quality wine-making in Chile. Their special cuvee line is a step up in terms of quality. Chile is also an excellent choice for value Cabernet Sauvignon. All of these factors combine to make this wine a great choice for a winter wine.
You can expect this wine to be earthy, herbal and full of blackberry and plum notes, with firm tannins. Because of the tannins, it would be wise to decant this wine for about an hour before drinking it.
This wine will pair perfectly with steak, charcuterie or firm aged cheeses.
2018 Vieil Armand Selection Gewurztraminer $19.95 Product #18153
Now if you know me, you’ll know that I don’t really favour white or rose wines in the winter. But with the right food(s), white wine is a must regardless of the time of year.
In winter, I think it’s safe to say we all crave deep and warmly spiced soups and curries. Gewurztraminer from Alsace is a sweet, aromatic and highly flavourful wine that makes the perfect accompaniment for lightly spiced dishes, especially those of the asian variety, and can really brighten up a cold winter night!
Gold Medal - Concours Mondial des Feminalise Paris 2019
2015 Chateau Bellevue Figeac $27.95 Product #496661
Nothing makes for a cozy winter evening like a glass of beautiful Bordeaux, in my view. The rich and spicy nature of Bordeaux just warms the soul right up!
Many people think good Bordeaux wine is expensive and while this is often the case, there are some good values to be had as well, especially from lesser known producers.
Here is one example. Hailing from the Right Bank, and from an excellent vintage, this wine is available at a very reasonable price point. This is a full bodied wine that will be perfect with steak and roasted vegetables. Decant for at least an hour.
94 points - James Suckling
And there you have it - my top wine picks from the current LCBO Vintages release! I hope you find something to buy and enjoy from this list. I’d love to hear all about it if you do!
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