Brunello, Chianti and Bolgheri are among the best red wines to drink in winter, but there are many others.
Great winter red wines are ideal for accompanying warm, comforting meals during the cold season. Among the best known and prized Italian wines are Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and Bolgheri DOC. In particular, the 2018 vintages for Brunello di Montalcino and the 2020 and 2021 vintages for Chianti Classico and Bolgheri DOC were particularly outstanding.
Brunello di Montalcino is an intense, complex red wine made using Sangiovese grapes from the Montalcino area of Tuscany. The 2018 vintage was considered one of the best in recent years, characterized by mild weather that allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. The result is a Brunello di Montalcino 2018 with a deep ruby color, an intense aroma of red fruits and spices and a balanced, persistent flavor. This wine pairs perfectly with red meat dishes, roasts and mature cheeses.
Chianti Classico is another great Tuscan red wine, made with Sangiovese grapes from the area between Florence and Siena. The 2020 and 2021 vintages were both excellent, characterized by favorable weather that allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. The result is red wines with a deep ruby color that are fruity and floral, with a soft, lingering flavor. Chianti Classico pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, steaks and medium-matured cheeses.
Finally, Bolgheri DOC is a red wine produced in the Maremma area of Tuscany from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. The 2020 and 2021 vintages were characterized by dry and warm weather, which allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. Bolgheri DOC 2020 and 2021 have a deep red color, a fruity and spicy bouquet and a smooth and persistent flavor. This wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meat dishes, roasts and mature cheeses.
In addition to the great Tuscan red wines, Italy offers a wide selection of wines ideal for winter. Among the wines of northern Italy, Barolo and Barbaresco are red wines from Piedmont made with Nebbiolo grapes. These wines have a deep ruby red color, an intense and complex aroma of red fruits, spices and leather, and a full, tannic flavor. Barolo and Barbaresco are excellent with red meat and game dishes.
In the Valpolicella region of Veneto, the famous Amarone della Valpolicella is produced. This full-bodied, powerful red wine is made from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes, which are dried before being made into wine to concentrate the sugars and aromas. The result is a red wine with a deep ruby color, an intense aroma of dark fruits, spices and chocolate, and a smooth, velvety flavor. Amarone della Valpolicella pairs perfectly with red meat dishes, mature cheeses and dark chocolate.
Finally, Sicily produces Nero d’Avola, a full-bodied, fruity red wine made from Nero d’Avola grapes. Nero d’Avola has a deep ruby red color, with an intense aroma of red fruits and spices, and a smooth, tannic flavor. This wine pairs perfectly with red meat dishes, roasts, and mature cheeses.
In short, Italy offers a wide selection of great winter red wines, from Piedmont’s Barolo and Barbaresco, Veneto’s Amarone della Valpolicella, to Sicily’s Nero d’Avola. Each wine has its own unique characteristics, but all are perfect to accompany warm and cozy meals of the winter season. Drop by the wine shop or visit our online shop!
