Full-body wines – Cold winter slow things down— and for good reason. The days are short and dark, the morning is sunny but freezing. Some days making the commute from home to the office in the freezing cold feels like a challenge
There’s something deeply rewarding about having a glass or two of some full-body wines in the evening or after a cold commute. But what type of wine goes best with cozy sweaters and binge-watching Netflix? Is the winter really all about a full-bodied, tannin-heavy red? Yes and no.
When choosing a wine to enjoy during the winter, keep in mind certain things. If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, something sparkling might be interesting. If you’re wrapped up on the couch, deep into a Lucifer marathon, you’ll probably want something more rich and layered. Here is a wonderful trio of red wines that I recently discovered for versatile winter nights.
Three full-body wines to try
Chateau Trillol 2014 SAQ # 00523274 – $19.05
High in the hills of the Corbières, in a magnificent corner of south west France, Château Trillol has been the Sichel family property since 1990. At 400m above sea level, the vineyard is located in two of the Corbières terroirs: Termenès and Queribus. Here the local grape varieties, Grenache, Syrah and Carignan (harvested by hand), yield a soulful wine that delivers an authentic sense of place.
Deep and enticing aromas of dark blue fruit reminiscent of prunes and cassis with enticing notes of brown sugar, christmas spices and tobacco. Powerful and intense with many layers that make me think of rosemary, lavender and dried fruit character. Polished midpalate with a silky finale. Pairing well with pasta with rich tomato sauces or braised red meats.
Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Valle de Uco 2015 SAQ # 11375596 – $24.30
Piedra Negra is the project of Bordelais Francois Lurton in Argentina. After researching throughout several regions of Argentina, Francois Lurton planted vines in the Uco Valley, in the foothills of the Andes Cordillera, at an altitude of 1,100 m, in semi-desert conditions. A pioneer of the Uco Valley, he created his winery, Bodega Piedra Negra, in the heart of 200 hectares of virgin land acquired in the middle of what, a few years later, would become the Geographical Indication of Los Chacayes.
A beautiful Cabernet that will continue to improve with a few years in the cellar. A nose that brings to mind beautiful cherry balanced with notes of vanilla and blackcurrants. Medium to full body with chewy tannins and a lingering finale. Pairing well with grilled steak or braised chicken thighs in Moroccan spices.
Rolland & Galarreta Rioja 2014 SAQ # 12887278 – $25.95
The hugely influential Rolland Galarreta Ribera del Duero is the joint effort of Michel Rolland, probably the world’s most influential winemaker, and Javier Galarreta.
A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Merlot, this Spanish red wine is made with grapevines above 35 years of age planted in poor, rocky-limestone soils located at an altitude of 915 metres above sea level.
Modern style Rioja with warm aromas of cherries, liquorice and spice. Elegant and smooth with a very suave finale. Food pairing idea: roasted leg of lamb.
Other wine articles you might be interested in:
