Remember the first season of Game of Thrones? It was epic and the title (and also the House Stark mantra) was Winter is Coming; an idiom/euphemism that traditionally acted as a warning that something bad is about to happen. Cheery indeed….
But can winter be something to look forward to? Of course. Our lovely country has four wonderful seasons which all offer very distinct attractions. It's not the sun, the cold air or the wind that kills us. It’s the rain, of which we have had far too much. Think winter, think open fire, the smell of burning logs, the dog asleep on the mat, crisp cold mornings, winter wellies and waterproofs, hats (and hats with torches) and your favourite pullover that you probably should have thrown out years ago.
How about the food? Winter stews, hearty soups, roasted game, Sunday roasts, cottage pies and, of course, winter puddings with lashings of custard. Comfort foods to eat in hibernation. Bloody marvellous!
So, what about wines for winter? It is true to say that many will shift their affection from white wines to red wines. I also expect the amazing popularity of rose wines to wain a little as the days shorten. We are stocking up at The Wine Rooms with an eye to the winter. White wines with greater texture and increased richness will work extremely well. Maybe a shift towards bigger whites, the type of whites that might not appeal in the heat of a summer day. I am thinking about Viognier, Chenin Blanc, good Chardonnays, maybe a white wine from the Southern Rhone. We are looking for texture, body, richness and maybe creaminess.
The red wines will inevitably feature more good Cabernet Sauvignons (try a South African blend), Syrah, Grenache blends, Malbecs, and good Portugese reds will not only warm you but will help you love your winter.
As for fizz, well, you can drink fizz all year around. There is no seasonal bias. The drinking of good fizz tends be triggered by some sort of gathering of friends and family, or a celebration, and long may that continue.
Top winter wines on our shelves
- Domaine de Vedilhan Serica Viognier (£11.99) – silky textured, rich and elegant.
- Domaine Boutinot Argiles Blanches Cairanne Blanc (£15.99) – stylish, rich and classy with a very subtle oak influence. A good wine for Christmas lunch.
- Robert Oatley Signature G21 Grenache, McClaren Vale (£13.99) – vibrant, perfumed with classic red fruit flavours. A lighter body. A great alternative to Pinot Noir.
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Stellenbosch (£29.99) - wowsers. This is everything you need from a Cabernet Sauvignon. It's big and bold but the tannins are soft. Dark chocolate, black fruits and subtle smoky complexity. This is a flagship wine and one for the Christmas table.
We are planning a number of events in November and December to offer the opportunity to taste some wines, not only for Christmas but for the darker months of the year. We hope to see you.