Winter Warmers: The Best Red Wines To Explore This Season

We’re heading into the depths of winter, and it’s a favourite time to enjoy a glass of rich red wine. Unlike white or rosé wine, it’s best savoured at room temperature, which can be more appealing than a chilled drink as we are hit by a blast of freezing Arctic air. Red wine also pairs well with hearty winter dishes such as roast meats and stews.

Here’s a guide to some robust reds to brighten up those long winter evenings. The best quality bottles can be sourced from an independent red wine supplier, who will have specialist knowledge and often hand pick their stock from select vineyards. 

How is red wine made?

Red wine can be made from many different grape varieties, which are sometimes blended together for a unique flavour profile. The most important distinction between the red and white wine making methods is that the grapes are fermented with the skin on during the fermentation process, which gives the wine its distinctive colour, flavour and texture. 

The maturation process for red wines is also longer, usually taking place in oak vats or barrels, or stainless steel tanks for anything from a few months to years. Generally, higher quality reds are matured for longer in oak barrels. 

Styles of red wine

Red wine broadly falls into three types: light, medium, and full bodied. The characteristics of red wine largely depend on the grape varieties used, the region and climate where the grapes were grown, and how long the wine has been aged for. 

Light bodied reds

If you are new to drinking red wine, starting with a light bodied style can be a great introduction. Popular types include Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Cinsault, and Grenache. These wines are typically a lighter colour and have intense fruity flavours. They do not feel as heavy in the mouth as full bodied wines. 

Medium bodied reds

A medium red will have a crimson, ruby, or slightly brownish tint, and will feel a little richer than a lighter red. The flavours may be more complex, with fruity, spicy, woody or smoky overtones. Malbec is one of the most popular medium reds.

Full bodied reds

Full bodied reds have a velvety texture and a bold deep colour, with a rich and complex taste. They are also high in tannins, which are compounds that naturally occur in the grape skins and seeds. Grape varieties with thicker skins result in higher levels of tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The longer a wine is left to ferment, the higher the tannin will be, resulting in a more complex flavour that can be slightly bitter and astringent. This is why rich red wine is traditionally paired with fatty foods such as red meat and creamy sauces, because the bitterness and fats help to balance each other out. 

Tannins also help wine to age well, as they soften with time to give that luxurious velvety texture. Popular styles of full bodied reds include Carbonet Sauvignon, and Syrah (aka Shiraz).