Best Red Wines for Cold Weather

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures dip, many wine lovers instinctively reach for red wines. There’s something deeply satisfying about curling up with a rich, warming glass of red when the chill sets in.

Cold weather calls for wines with deeper flavors, fuller bodies, and often a touch of spice—wines that feel like a cozy blanket in a glass.

While white wines and lighter reds have their place, winter is the time to explore bolder styles that can stand up to hearty meals and provide comfort on their own. Here’s a guide to some of the best red wines for cold weather, whether you’re enjoying a fireside chat, a festive holiday dinner, or simply a quiet evening indoors.

Cabernet Sauvignon: The Classic Winter Red

Cabernet Sauvignon is a perennial cold-weather favorite for good reason. With its deep blackcurrant flavors, firm tannins, and notes of cedar, tobacco, and spice, it offers both power and complexity.

Look for bottles from:

• Napa Valley, California: Rich, plush, and full-bodied, with bold fruit and smooth tannins.

• Bordeaux, France: More structured, with earthy undertones and savory depth.

Perfect with: Roast beef, lamb chops, or a plate of aged cheddar by the fire.

Syrah/Shiraz: Dark and Spicy

Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) is another top contender for winter sipping. It’s known for its dark fruit flavors—blackberry, plum—as well as its hallmark notes of black pepper, smoked meat, and sometimes a hint of leather.

• Northern Rhône, France (e.g., Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie): Expect elegance, spice, and earthy minerality.

• Barossa Valley, Australia: Bold, ripe, and bursting with sweet spice and jammy fruit.

Ideal with: Grilled sausages, stews, or smoky barbecue.

Malbec: Smooth and Velvety

Originally from France but now synonymous with Argentina, Malbec offers plush dark fruit flavors, soft tannins, and a signature note of cocoa or coffee. It’s often rich but approachable, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Look for: Argentinian Malbecs from Mendoza, which offer great value and consistency.

Pairs well with: Beef stew, empanadas, or mushroom-based vegan dishes.

Zinfandel: Bold and Brambly

Zinfandel is a quintessential winter red, known for its jammy fruit, peppery spice, and warming alcohol levels (often over 14%). It’s robust but can vary in style from medium-bodied and fruity to big, bold, and smoky.

• California (especially Sonoma and Paso Robles): Look for old-vine Zins with layers of dark cherry, plum, and black pepper.

Excellent with: Chili, barbecued ribs, or pizza topped with spicy sausage.

Merlot: Soft and Comforting

Merlot sometimes gets overlooked, but its velvety texture and plush fruit make it a wonderful winter companion. It typically offers flavors of plum, blackberry, and chocolate, with soft tannins that make it incredibly easy to drink.

Great options from:

• Right Bank Bordeaux (like Saint-Émilion): More structured, with earthiness and savory depth.

• California: Richer and fruitier, often with hints of vanilla and mocha.

Best with: Roast chicken, meatloaf, or a creamy mushroom risotto.

Nebbiolo: Structured and Complex

Nebbiolo, the grape behind Italy’s famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines, is prized for its high acidity, firm tannins, and haunting aromas of rose, tar, and cherry. Though lighter in color, it’s powerful in structure, making it a fantastic winter red for those who appreciate complexity.

Seek out: Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont, or more affordable Langhe Nebbiolo.

Enjoy with: Truffle pasta, rich braises, or Osso Buco.

Petite Sirah: Inky and Intense

Don’t let the name fool you—Petite Sirah is anything but petite in flavor. This dark, inky wine is packed with black fruit, pepper, and sometimes chocolate or espresso notes. It’s full-bodied and has gripping tannins that love hearty fare.

Best regions: California, especially from Napa and Sonoma.

Perfect with: Braised short ribs, grilled portobello mushrooms, or baked pasta.

Tempranillo: Earthy and Rustic

Tempranillo is the backbone of Spain’s famed Rioja wines. With flavors of cherry, plum, tobacco, and dried herbs, it’s medium to full-bodied and offers a beautiful balance of fruit and earthiness.

Look for: Reserva and Gran Reserva Rioja, which are aged longer and develop savory, complex notes.

Pairs well with: Roast lamb, paella, or Manchego cheese.

Grenache/Garnacha: Juicy and Warming

Grenache (Garnacha in Spain) is a versatile grape that brings juicy red fruit—strawberry, raspberry—along with subtle spice and warmth. It’s usually medium-bodied and can stand up to both rich and moderately spiced foods.

Top picks:

• Southern Rhône (like Châteauneuf-du-Pape): Often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre for added depth.

• Spain (Campo de Borja or Priorat): Rich, bold, and slightly rustic.

Great with: Ratatouille, grilled vegetables, or roast pork.

Sangiovese: Bright and Balanced

The heart of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, Sangiovese offers tart cherry flavors, bright acidity, and earthy undertones. Its balance makes it a refreshing yet warming red for winter, especially with Italian fare.

Best regions: Tuscany, with Brunello providing the fullest expression.

Serve with: Pasta Bolognese, pizza Margherita, or braised meats.

Conclusion: Winter Reds to Warm the Soul

Cold weather calls for wines that offer richness, depth, and a bit of spice—bottles that invite you to slow down and savor. Whether you gravitate toward the smoky depth of Syrah, the plushness of Malbec, or the complexity of Nebbiolo, winter is the perfect season to explore these heartier reds.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new styles or blend types. And remember, while these wines shine with hearty meals, many are just as enjoyable sipped slowly by the fire or while watching snow fall outside your window. So pour yourself a generous glass, bundle up, and toast to the season’s simple pleasures.