Which Wine is Best for Winter?

This post is sponsored by Laithwaites Wine Australia.

Winter for most of us, means cool temperatures, large wooly jumpers, roaring fire places and warming winter wines. The question I get asked a lot from family, friends and wonderful wine lovers on social media is, which wine is best for winter?

Firstly let’s get some winter wine housekeeping out of the way:

• Yes you can drink white wine, rosé and bubbles in winter and likewise you can drink red wine in summer
• If you are drinking a red which is stored in a really cold place, please remember it may need some time to warm up to the optimum temperature to drink (between 16-18 degrees is typical for red wine)

So which wine is best for winter? At the end of the day it really depends on your tastes, where you are, who you are with and what you are eating/doing. However, I recently chatted to the experts at Laithwaites who have recommended four wines they think are some of the best winter wines you can be drinking this year.

Winter Red Wines

Redheads Good Shiraz

• $24 (or $15/bottle per dozen)
• 14.5% ABV
• South Australia (from what I understand its a blend of Shiraz grapes from the Barossa, Clare, McLaren and Langhorne Creek)

Tony and Tom Laithwaite created RedHeads Studio were where young, talented and rebellious winemakers could make small batch wines they loved. After moving from shed to shed and with popularity growing, they finally bought their own vineyard and built a state-of-the-art, off-grid, solar-powered eco winery.

The Redheads Good Shiraz is a vibrant and charismatic wine that is destined to warm your senses this winter. Like a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, this ruby elixir beckons with its enchanting aromas of dark berries, mulled spices, and a hint of smoky oak. Sip by sip, its velvety texture caresses your palate, unveiling layers of blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of black pepper, dancing together in perfect harmony.

With each sip, you’ll feel the cozy embrace of winter’s chill being chased away by this wine’s rich, full-bodied nature. It’s your ticket to a winter wonderland of indulgence, ensuring your evenings are merry and bright.

Make sure to check out my post for Aussie shiraz and food pairings to really complete your chilly evenings.

Serafino Sorrento McLaren Vale Shiraz 2020

• $25 (or $16/bottle per dozen)
• 14.5% ABV
• McLaren Vale, South Australia

Indulge your senses with Serafino Sorrento McLaren Vale Shiraz 2020, an extraordinary wine that promises an unforgettable journey of flavour. Crafted with meticulous care in the renowned McLaren Vale region, this vintage captures the essence of its terroir.

With a deep, luscious crimson hue, its alluring bouquet entwines ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and hints of aromatic spices. The palate dances with layers of velvety tannins, seductive plum notes, and a whisper of vanilla, culminating in a harmonious, lingering finish.

Immerse yourself in the symphony of flavours and be transported to a realm where every sip is a celebration. Embrace the allure of Serafino Sorrento McLaren Vale Shiraz 2020 and elevate your wine experience to new heights.

Check out my post here for more red wines perfect to drink during the colder months.

Winter White Wines

Il Papavero Bianco

• $20 (or $13.5/bottle per dozen)
• 12% ABV
• Grapes from Abruzzo and Sicily in Italy

Step into a world of exquisite flavours and cozy up with Il Papavero Bianco NV, the perfect winter companion for your palate.

It will dance on your taste buds with a playful medley of tropical fruits, zesty citrus, and hints of delicate white blossoms. As the winter winds howl outside, allow this enchanting white wine to transport you to sun-kissed Italian vineyards, where golden rays warm your soul. Perfect to enjoy on pizza night or with a nice big bowlful of creamy pasta.

With its refreshing acidity and subtle mineral undertones, Il Papavero Bianco NV adds a touch of sunshine to those chilly evenings, bringing joy and vibrancy to your winter wonderland.

Scarpantoni Chardonnay 2022

• $20 (or $16/bottle per dozen)
• 12% ABV
• McLaren Vale, South Australia

I don’t know about you, but Chardonnay is definitely an all year round drink in my house!

This Scarpantoni Chardonnay is a captivating elixir that transcends seasons. As winter’s icy grasp tightens, this exquisite wine unfurls like a golden sunbeam, bringing warmth and joy to frosty nights. With each sip, succulent notes of ripe pear, honeyed melon, and toasted oak dance on your palate, creating a symphony of flavours that complements any wintry ambiance.

Its creamy texture coats your mouth, comforting you like a soft cashmere blanket, while its delicate acidity refreshes and enlivens your spirit. Embrace the harmony of cold weather and fine wine—Scarpantoni Chardonnay 2022 is your exquisite companion through the winter chill.

When it comes to pairing food with this Chardy, you’ll want to consider dishes that complement and enhance its flavours such as roast chicken, salmon, creamy pasta dishes and soft cheeses. Yummmmmm!

So there you have it, four delicious winter wines to get you through the cool months. If you have a favourite winter wine, please do let us know in the comments below.