What Wine to Drink in Cold Weather
Imagine you’re wrapped in your favourite sweater, watching snowflakes dance outside your window, and reaching for a glass of wine that feels completely wrong for the moment. That crisp Sauvignon Blanc that was perfect for summer afternoons now tastes sharp and uninviting against the winter chill.
The reality is, seasonal wine selection isn’t just about personal preference. It’s about understanding how temperature, atmosphere, and your body’s needs shift with the seasons.
In this guide, we will break down winter wine choices, reveal which bottles truly shine when frost covers the ground, and help you decide the right wine for your winter days.
Which Wines Are Good for Cold Weather?
Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are the best cold-weather wines. This is because they have a naturally high alcohol content with rich, complex flavours that warms you up on the inside. Fortified wines like Port and Sherry do a great job at warming the body as well with their rich concentration of sweetness and high alcohol content.
Fortified Wines
Port wine represents the pinnacle of cold-weather indulgence. This Portuguese treasure, with its higher alcohol content and concentrated sweetness, provides immediate warmth and satisfaction. The ritualistic nature of sipping port slowly allows you to savour each moment while the wine’s richness builds a comforting heat from within.
Sherry is excellent for warming up, especially the darker varieties such as Amontillado or Oloroso. These wines deliver nutty, toasty flavours that feel like autumn in a glass; a great option for the cool evenings when you want something both warming and refined.
Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon stands as the ultimate cold-weather companion, with its rich tannins and bold flavors that seem to wrap around you like a warm blanket. The wine’s natural warmth comes from its higher alcohol content and complex structure, making each sip feel like a gentle embrace against the cold.
Malbec offers another exceptional choice, bringing intense fruit flavours and a velvety texture that feels luxurious on cold evenings. Its origins in Argentina’s high-altitude vineyards have shaped it into a wine that naturally complements cooler temperatures, delivering notes of dark chocolate and spice that warm your palate.
Spiced and Mulled Wines
Mulled wine changes any ordinary red into a cold-weather must-have. The addition of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise creates an aromatic experience that engages all your senses. The gentle heating process intensifies the wine’s natural warmth while infusing it with comforting spice notes.
How Does Wine Impact Your Body During Cold Weather?
Doctor Thomas Waters from the Cleveland Clinic quotes, “Alcohol and exposure to cold is a dangerous combination.” Considering wine does have alcohol inside, it’s quite important to understand its effect on your body and how you can stay cautious while enjoying your drink.
The alcohol content creates an immediate warming sensation as it dilates your blood vessels, sending more blood to your skin’s surface. This physiological response makes you feel warmer initially. However, it’s important to understand that this warmth is temporary and primarily superficial.
Red wines, with their higher tannin content, tend to have a more substantial mouthfeel that can psychologically enhance the warming effect. The antioxidants found in red wine, particularly resveratrol, may also support your body’s natural defences during cold season. While wine shouldn’t be considered a health remedy, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced approach to winter wellness.
When consuming wine in cold weather, remember these tips:
- Avoid overly chilled wines, they are best for hot or warm days.
- Balance wine consumption with water or warm drinks to stay hydrated
- Never drink alone in winter weather
- Eat substantial foods before drinking
What To Consider When Picking Wine During Cold Weather?
Choosing wine that goes perfectly in cold weather needs careful consideration of multiple factors. These include the following:
- Take a look at the body and texture: Choose full-bodied wines with rich, velvety textures that feel substantial and comforting for you.
- Consider serving temperature of wines: Serve reds slightly warmer than usual (around 65-68°F) to enhance their warming properties.
- Alcohol percentage of wine: Look for wines with 13-15% alcohol by volume for optimal warming effects without overwhelming your palate.
- Flavor profile: Seek wines with warming spice notes, dark fruit flavors, or earthy undertones that complement the season.
- Food pairings: Consider wines that complement hearty winter dishes like stews, roasts, and rich soups.
- Your preference: Your individual taste preferences remain paramount; choose wines you genuinely enjoy rather than following trends
Conclusion
The right wine doesn’t just warm your body; it creates moments of luxury and relaxation that make cold weather easy to pass. Each glass becomes an opportunity to slow down, savour the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasure of warmth and flavour.
Selecting the perfect wine for cold weather is an art that combines understanding your palate with embracing the season’s unique characteristics. Whether you choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant Port, or a warming mulled wine, the key is finding selections that enhance your winter experience and provide genuine comfort.
Visit Us All-Year-Round at Belle Wine Bar & Grazing Boards
Maybe you did the smart thing and decided to skip the whole winter altogether and spend your holidays in a tropical paradise island like Bali instead. If that happens to be you this winter, come experience the art of perfect wine selection at Belle Wine Bar in Ubud, Bali, where our expert sommelier team curates an exceptional selection of wine for all weathers.