Big Red Wines for Winter

The nights are drawing in, it’s getting colder, the logs are going on the fire. In terms of wine, this is the time of year when those big red wines really come into their own.

By “big” we mean full-bodied, and that usually means a higher-than-average level of alcohol. But it is not just about alcohol; the wine needs to have the structure (acidity and tannin) and sufficient fruit to balance the alcohol so that the whole thing works in harmony.

Because of the need to have more alcohol, these wines are usually produced in warmer climates and here the “New World” (outside Europe) really comes into its own.

Big red wines are very much the hallmark of Australia (especially Shiraz ), South Africa (fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon ), Argentina (mmm Malbec !) and California ( ZINFANDEL – no not the “blush” type, the proper one). Alongside these huge and warming reds can Europe respond?

Yes, of course it can, for example Châteauneuf-du-Pape , or one of many Garnacha -based reds from Spain, and then there is Amarone from Italy (which is by far the biggest of all red wines!)

Join us as we sample six of these big red wines, served with some cheese and charcuterie to help them along.

You might just discover the ideal wine for Christmas here.