12 Red Wines To Keep You Warm And Cozy

Most of the country experienced unusually cold weather this past week and snow is in the forecast ahead.  Red wine is synonymous with cold weather.  There is something so warm and cozy about drinking a glass of red wine by the fire. Add in a scintillating book or a great Netflix movie and you will never leave the house. I naturally gravitate towards red wines when the temperature drops.  Due to their rich texture, full body and plush tannins, red wines will warm you up from the inside out.

Here are 12 Red Wines To Keep You Warm And Cozy

PERLA TERRA BAROLO DOCG 2018 (SRP $40)

Perla Terra is the result of decades of love for the people, place and wines of Barolo. Sourced from some of the finest Cru vineyards of the region, the grapes are vinified using traditional methods and then aged in large oak casks for a minimum of 18 months. This is a classic Barolo with rich and layered aromas of red fruits and roses, with balanced tannins and lingering notes of cherries, chocolate and leather.  It’s an affordable luxury that can be easily shared and enjoyed.

MONTEABELLON FINCA MATAMBRES 2017 (SRP $45)

Monteabellón Finca Matambres from Ribera Del Duero is the purest expression of Tempranillo from the most important vineyards of Monteabellón. From clayey-calcareous soil and the perfect orientation results in a very expressive, elegant wine.  A comforting wine with an aromatic nose, ripe black fruits on the palate and notes of balsamic woods and licorice make this a delicious wine.

FEL SAVOY PINOT NOIR 2020 (SRP $75)

The FEL flagship Pinot Noir is a reflection of the Savoy Vineyard. Perched between the last stand of old-growth redwoods in Anderson Valley and a flank of hills shrouded in oaks and chaparral, Savoy is a study in terroir. Like the vineyard, the wine’s texture is polished with delicate edges. The nearby woods come through in the spiced plum and sumac nose, while the rugged California hills are alive in the concentrated boysenberry and date palate, with a lingering floral quality of rose petal. A delicious and elegant Pinot that is perfect by the fireside.

BENZINGER ESTATE JOAQUIN’S INFERNO SONOMA MOUNTAIN 2019 (SRP $70)

An estate blend of Zinfandel, Grenache and Petite Sirah, Joaquin’s Inferno is sourced from the steepest slope on the Benziger Ranch. Notes of strawberry and spice give way to mocha, cinnamon and a hint of black pepper on the palate while structured tannins weave a lasting impression.  This wine will surely warm you up.

DUTCHER CROSSING WINEMAKER”S CELLAR KUPFERSCHMID RED DRY CREEK VAALLEY 2017 (SRP $42)

Owner Debra Mathy’s appreciation for Rhone-styled wines combined with a connection to her family heritage makes this a special wine for Dutcher Crossing. This wine is warm and inviting right from the first smell out of the glass.  Red fruits dance across your palate and are held up by a firm backbone of acidity that plays well with the wine’s soft tannins that coat your mouth. Warm and inviting from the first smell out of the glass, this wine pairs well with a hard cheese like Manchego.

MARKHAM ‘THE ALTRUIST’ NAPA VALLEY 2018 (SRP $35)

Crafted predominantly with estate-grown fruit, this “right bank” Bordeaux-style red blend allows the velvety Merlot flavors to take center stage. Lots for this wine spend more than 16 months in French & American oak, resulting in opulent notes of black cherry and raspberry jam layered with aromas of milk chocolate, vanilla bean and toast.  Merlot is my favorite, go-to wine in the winter months, and Markham excels at making quality Merlots.

GOOSECROSS STATE LANE VINEYARD ‘HOLLY’S BLOCK’ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 (SRP $165)

The glass exudes elegance and sophistication from the start with aromas of ripe black cherries, ripe plum, dried figs, roasted coffee, cigar box, and cocoa nibs. The wine immediately hits the palate with intense black currants, juicy blackberries, sultry vanilla, toasted oak, spice, new leather, and black tea.  Goosecross is a discovery that will be a staple in your cellar.

POGGIO DI SOTTO ROSSO MONTALCINO 2017 (SRP $80)

Crafted with painstaking attention to detail from one of the greatest terroirs in all of Tuscany, this is simply a stunning Sangiovese. This is a Brunello, only aged in wood for a little less time than the rules require.  The Sangiovese wines released from this special property do always favor elegance and restraint over opulence and power, yet they never lack depth. The estate’s Rosso di Montalcino routinely delivers depth of flavor and structural components that support long cellaring. Characterized by its floral nose and purity of fruit on the palate, Rosso di Montalcino from Poggio di Sotto is also thrilling to drink upon release.

ELENA WALCH PINOT NERO, ‘LUDWIG’, ALTO ADIGE DOC 2019 (SRP $50)

Brilliant ruby red is the color of this elegant Pinot Noir. With ripe fruits like sweet cherries and plums, spicy notes of cinnamon and cloves, the bouquet opens up elegantly and harmoniously; multilayered, complex and inviting. On the palate, the Ludwig Pinot Noir captivates through its elegance, pleasingly soft tannins, filigreed structure, discreet spiciness, a profoundly refined play of aromas, juiciness and minerality as well as an invitingly fresh finish.

CHÂTEAU DE ROUANNE VINSOBRES 2019 (SRP $35)

Louis Barruol, owner and winemaker of Château de Saint Cosme, purchased Château de Rouanne in May of 2019 when he saw a lot of potential in the property and found that it reminded him of Saint Cosme. This is his second vintage of this wine, which comes from a cool climate region located in the northern part of southern Rhône. It has notes of raspberry, violet, peony, black pepper and gingerbread and the distinctive freshness and savory character of this Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blend are sure to impress your family and friends.

MATTHEWS CLARET COLOMBIA VALLEY 2020 (SRP $50)

The Matthews team from Woodinville, Washington, honors Old World traditions while embracing the energy and innovation of Washington State. They work with many of the most iconic vineyards in this ascendant wine region and while they are inspired by Bordeaux, many of their winemaking principles come from their Washington heritage. The Claret is made up of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec and is fresh and intriguing with a lingering finish. Notes of red fruit, vanilla bean and cocoa make the Claret a wonderful choice to accompany hearty comfort foods, like pot roast or a rich beef stew.

ERSTE+NEUE LAGREIN ALTO ADIDGE DOC 2021 (SRP $21)

Dark garnet red, this Lagrein has a powerful bouquet with pleasant cherry fruit and spice. The palate is full of smooth tannins with hints of bitter chocolate.  This powerful wine is an excellent accompaniment to red meat, roasted and game dishes, perfect for the winter months.