The weather is getting colder as it does every year in our annual journey around the Sun. I am always amused by how people appear to be surprised by the cold weather but maybe it is part of the human condition to forget things so we can move on? Anyhow, philosophy aside, it’s a great excuse to drink red wine … if you needed one.
People often associate cold weather with drinking red wine, which make sense as most people don’t want to drink a chilled wine when it is cold. But there’s a lot more to red wine than just temperature which makes it such a good winter warmer. Let’s explore this further and give you an example you might like to try.
As a general rule red wine has more body and weight than white wine. By that I mean a Shiraz feels heavier in the mouth than say a Riesling or Pinot Gris. This not only makes the wine feel more substantial, but it also goes better with the heartier dishes and stews we often eat in winter.
Red wine also contains higher levels of two things that make it a more substantial drink than white wine: alcohol and tannin. The alcohol in wine not only adds to the mouth feel, it also gives a warming sensation to the wine and has a warming effect on the body. Although there’s often only 2% to 3 % more alcohol in red wine it can really make a difference on a cold night. And the Tannin in red wine has a drying effect in the mouth and an almost gritty sensation on the finish which further adds to the weight and complexity of the wine. This is most noticeable in Australian Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coonawarra region that produces wines that have been described as “thick”.
In the mouth, the fruit profile in red wines is also better suited to cooler weather. White wines often have citrus, stone fruit and tropical fruit characters we usually associate with warm sunny days. Red wine, in contrast, often has plum, dark and red berries which we tend to associate with colder weather and heavier warming desserts like crumbles. Australian Shiraz in particular is know for its stewed red plum, blackberry, blackcurrant and red currants … a great wine for a cold night in front of a roaring open fire.
One of the wines I recommend is a 2013 Victorian Shiraz from an ‘old school’ producer that’s got some fine tannin’s and is drinking well now. Think rich chocolate, black and red currents, red cherry with a boost of delicious vanilla. It’s one of those wines you can happy drink in the cooler months by itself or pair with a nice steak or hearty stew. We have limited stock of this wine available now in our online store.
As we look at transitioning out of the current lock down it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to reconnect with your valued clients and colleagues. Perhaps a relaxed evening with good food, wine, camaraderie and some wine education might be just the ticket? Something to keep in the back of your mind for now.
In the meantime if you need any tips or advice then feel free to reach out to me on our Facebook page and sign up to my mailing list to get access to our newsletter and wine specials.
Cheers,
Antony.
