Big Red Wines for Cold Weather

When the weather gets cold, the cold get cozy.

It's almost an instinct among wine lovers to reach for large-bodied red wines in the winter. It makes a certain kind of sense - what we call "big" red wines typically have more alcohol and thus more density and a fuller mouthfeel, and alcohol warms you up, right?

Well no, science pretty much refutes that (alcohol actually lowers your core body temperature), but as long as you're not literally drinking wine to survive in an avalanche then by all means, listen to your instincts and enjoy these full, rich red wines. Ideal pairings are a blanket and roaring fireplace.

The non-vintage Veramente Rosso 16 Edizione Limitata($15) is a strong start to our list, built in Southern Italy from a blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes. Dark, chewy fruit with a bite of peppery earthiness makes this an astoundingly good value for the price, and surprisingly enjoyable for being such a heavyweight.

Orgo’s 2023 “Dila-o” Saperavi($21) is a vibrant, unfiltered red wine that captures the essence of Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions. Crafted from old-vine Saperavi grapes grown in Kakheti, it undergoes fermentation in qvevri—large clay vessels buried underground—using native yeasts and minimal sulfur, resulting in a wine with deep color and expressive character. On the palate, it offers notes of ripe plum, brambly dark fruits, violets, black pepper, and earthy undertones, delivering a fresh and lively profile with finesse.

You had to expect a Napa red to show up on this list, and we've got a good one for you. The 2021 AXR Proprietary Red($43) is a distinguished Napa Valley blend that showcases the region's winemaking excellence. The 2021 vintage is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, sourced from esteemed vineyards in Oak Knoll, Yountville, and Coombsville.

Domaine de Montcalmès ($54) is a small, family-run winery in the south of France where the vineyards are farmed organically. The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented, followed by aging in used oak barrels sourced from DRC(!) for 24 months. Each varietal is vinified separately before blending by winemaker Frédéric Pourtalié, and the wine is bottled unfiltered during a waning moon. Known for its purity and elegance, the wine offers red and black fruit flavors, floral notes, and soft tannins, making it enjoyable both young and with age.

Any list of big red wines should feature a Rioja, and few have the tradition and refinement of the 2016 Muga, Prado Enea Gran Reserva Rioja($105). The Prado Enea is only made in the best vintages, and spends three years in barrel followed by three years in the bottle before it's even released to the market. This is a wine with both power and refinement, and could age for quite a while yet.

It looks like we've still got a fair share of cold weather coming our way (fingers crossed for Groundhog Day), so enjoy the great indoors with these fantastic, full-bodied reds! We'll save the crisp whites for later.