Winter Wines

An oaked chardonnay, that might be too heavy or conflicting for lighter fare, is comfort for the cold. So, let’s start there.

By Gina Trippi

It’s cold. We are serving less cold salads and more hot soups. Intense aromas and strong flavors abound on the winter table!

Red or white, you are looking for wines that make you feel cozy, comforted and warm. A little fuller in body and bolder in flavor.

The no white after Labor Day Rule does not apply to wine! An oaked chardonnay, that might be too heavy or conflicting for lighter fare, is comfort for the cold. So, let’s start there. From Russian River, SBRAGIA Family Vineyards sends us an oaked chardonnay.

Known for their big, rich, yet balanced wine style, grapes for this wine are sourced from over 50 acres of family owned estate vineyards in Dry Creek Valley as well as purchases from the acclaimed Howell Mountain and Mt. Veeder.

With 100% malolactic fermentation and barrel aging sur lie in French, American and Hungarian oak, this white has sturdy components that present in flavor and texture. With notes of lemon curd, caramel and sandalwood, the wine slides across the palate with fine acidity bringing apple pie and cinnamon to a creamy finish.

Awarded 92 from Wine & Spirits, the tasting panel said: “This savory chardonnay opens to pale intensity, layering chamomile and Poire William and scents of seashell minerality. The flavors are integrated into the structure bringing oak seamlessly into the weave of herbs.”

And Wine Spectator awarded 91 points saying: “Well-integrated flavors of Gala apple and ripe Bosc pear are swathed with creamy richness in this broad-textured style, with cooking spice accents lingering on a full finish. Surely the top Sonoma Coast Chardonnay value in the market.”

But Let’s say you are preparing Cassoulet! This hearty, slow simmering stew of sausage, confit, pork and white beans is one of the hallmarks of French Cuisine and winter everywhere. While you could go white, let’s go red.

Think Veema! The vineyards stretch through an area where the Romans grew vines and the Benedictines monks founded abbeys at the end of the 9th century. Veema’s time-honored and harmonious combination of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre offers a smooth wine that preserves the blend’s boldness and complexity.

Leather and smoked meat give a brawny edge to a nose of pure, fragrant black fruit, brown spice, vanilla, and violets. Robust plum and saturated boysenberry lead to power and peppery depth on the way to a long, savory finish laced with anise, espresso, and a bloody tang of iron.

And Sean Minor Nicole Marie 2019. This velvety wine is deep ruby in color and displays aromas of dark cherry, cassis and vanilla. On the palate, it is big, rich and spicy, offering flavors of red berry, dark cherry, cassis and black pepper that integrate with hints of oak spices, coating the palate. The soft tannins and sweet oak balance lead to a long and lingering finish.

A good book, comfortable chair, soup and a velvety wine.

It’s winter!

Metro Wines Asheville

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