As the leaves change and temperatures drop, your taste in wine may shift towards richer, fuller-bodied reds. Fall and winter are perfect seasons to explore the top 10 best red wines that warm you from the inside out. From bold Cabernet Sauvignons to elegant Pinot Noirs, there’s a red wine to suit every palate and occasion during the cooler months.
In this guide, you’ll discover a diverse selection of red wines ideal for fall and winter enjoyment. We’ll delve into varieties like Malbec, Zinfandel, and Syrah, as well as classics like Merlot and Tempranillo. You’ll learn about their unique flavors, aromas, and the best food pairings to enhance your dining experiences. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just starting your journey, this list will help you find your new favorite red wine for the season.
Bold Cabernet Sauvignons
When it comes to fall and winter wines, Cabernet Sauvignon stands out as the undisputed king of red wines. Known for its rich, bold flavors and exceptional aging potential, this wine is perfect for warming you up during cooler months.
Cabernet Sauvignon Characteristics
Cabernet Sauvignon offers a complex flavor profile that includes notes of blackberry, jam, dark fruit, and subtle hints of oak, clove, and chocolate. You’ll also notice aromas of vibrant black fruits complemented by subtle black licorice undertones. The high tannin content and acidity in Cabernet Sauvignon contribute to its full-bodied nature and give it significant aging potential.
Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairings
You’ll find that Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its rich flavor and high tannin content make it a perfect partner for rich grilled meats, peppery sauces, and dishes with intense flavor. For a budget-friendly option, try pairing it with burgers, grilled sausages, or hearty pasta dishes. If you’re looking to elevate your dining experience, consider serving it with prime cuts of beef, filet mignon, or duck confit.
Top Cabernet Sauvignon Recommendations
- Paso de Robles Cabernet Sauvignon: Offers aromas of vibrant black fruits with notes of ripe blackberry and plum.
- Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel Cabernet: Features oak, vanilla, and hints of tobacco.
- Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2019: Showcases classic Cabernet character with notes of oak, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020: Presents a flavor profile reminiscent of oak, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019: Offers notes of red cherry, raspberry, blackberry, iris, vanilla, and clove.
Remember, the best Cabernet Sauvignon for you depends on your personal taste preferences and the occasion. Don’t be afraid to explore different options to find your perfect match for the fall and winter seasons.
Rich Malbecs
When you’re looking for a bold, full-bodied red wine to warm you up during the cooler months, Malbec is an excellent choice. Originally from France, this grape variety has found its true home in Argentina, where it thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza.
Malbec Flavor Profile
Malbec wines are known for their rich, dark fruit flavors and smooth, velvety texture. When you sip an Argentinian Malbec, you’ll notice primary flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry. These wines often have nuanced notes of milk chocolate, cocoa powder, and violet flowers, with a sweet tobacco finish depending on the oak aging. French Malbecs, on the other hand, tend to be more savory, with tart black plum flavors and higher acidity.
Best Malbec Regions
While Malbec is grown in various parts of the world, certain regions stand out for their exceptional production:
- Argentina: The Mendoza region, particularly the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, consistently produces top-rated Malbecs. The high altitude, sunny days, and dry climate create ideal conditions for growing Malbec grapes.
- France: Cahors, in southwestern France, is known for producing intense and powerful Malbecs with deep color and complex flavors.
- Chile: The Central Valley offers a cooler climate, resulting in fresh and bright Malbecs.
- United States: Look for Malbecs from Napa Valley and the North Coast of California, as well as Walla Walla on the Oregon/Washington border.
Malbec Wine Recommendations
To explore the world of Malbec, try these recommendations:
- For a classic Argentinian Malbec: Look for wines from the Mendoza region.
- For a French twist: Try a Malbec from Cahors, known locally as “Côt”.
- For a New World interpretation: Explore Malbecs from Chile’s Central Valley or California’s Napa Valley.
Remember, Malbec pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and rich dishes, making it perfect for fall and winter enjoyment.
Spicy Syrahs/Shirazes
When you’re looking for a bold, full-bodied red wine to warm you up during the cooler months, Syrah (or Shiraz) is an excellent choice. This versatile grape offers a range of styles, from spicy and intense to delicate and floral, making it perfect for fall and winter enjoyment.
Syrah vs Shiraz
You might wonder about the difference between Syrah and Shiraz. The truth is, they’re the same grape variety, but the name can indicate different styles. Syrah typically refers to wines made in the French style, while Shiraz is often used for Australian-style wines. French Syrah tends to be more herbaceous and savory, with leaner body and sharp tannins. Australian Shiraz, on the other hand, is usually more full-bodied, ripe, and fruit-forward.
Syrah/Shiraz Tasting Notes
Whether it’s called Syrah or Shiraz, you can expect a wine with dark fruit flavors like blackberries and blueberries, medium to high tannins, and a distinctive peppery spice. This pepper flavor comes from a compound called rotundone, which is also found in black peppercorns. French Syrah often showcases flavors of blackberries, cherries, and blueberries, along with savory notes of black pepper, olives, and cured meats. Australian Shiraz typically offers more concentrated fruit flavors, often with hints of chocolate and mocha.
Top Syrah/Shiraz Picks
To explore the world of Syrah/Shiraz, try these recommendations:
- For classic French Syrah, look to the Northern Rhône region, particularly Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and St-Joseph.
- For bold Australian Shiraz, explore wines from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.
- For a unique experience, try the Zaca Mesa 2015 Amphora Estate Vineyard Syrah from Santa Ynez Valley, which offers intense flavors of roasted lamb and crushed peppercorns.
Remember, Syrah/Shiraz pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it perfect for your fall and winter gatherings.
Robust Zinfandels
When you’re looking for a bold, fruit-forward red wine to warm you up during the cooler months, Zinfandel is an excellent choice. Known for its jammy fruit and smoky, exotic spice notes, Zinfandel offers a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for fall and winter enjoyment.
Zinfandel Grape Characteristics
Zinfandel grapes produce wines with a dark color and intense flavors. On the nose, you’ll find aromas of spices, pepper, and jammy red berries. The palate offers distinct flavors of black fruits and spices, with medium to high tannins providing structure. You’ll also notice good acidity, which adds freshness to the wine.
The primary flavors in Zinfandel include blackberry, strawberry, peach preserves, cinnamon, and sweet tobacco. The wine’s character can vary depending on the ripeness of the grapes, with cooler areas producing more red berry flavors and warmer climates yielding deeper black fruit notes.
California Zinfandel Regions
While Zinfandel originated in Croatia, it has found its true home in California, where it’s the fourth most planted wine grape. Here are some top California regions for Zinfandel:
- Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County): Known for producing prototypical Zinfandels with all the classic qualities.
- Lodi (San Joaquin Valley): Home to the oldest Zinfandel plantings, some dating back to 1888.
- Paso Robles (Central Coast): An up-and-coming region for Zinfandel with ideal climate and soils.
- Russian River Valley (Sonoma County): Produces Zinfandels that are lower in alcohol and higher in acidity.
- Sierra Foothills (Amador County): Offers a diverse range of Zinfandel styles due to varied elevations.
Best Zinfandel Wines
To explore the world of Zinfandel, try these highly-rated wines:
- 2015 Turley Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard (97 points)
- 2015 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Papera Ranch (96 points)
- 2021 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Paso Robles (96 points)
- 2018 Carlisle Zinfandel Pagani Ranch (96 points)
- 2021 Ridge Geyserville (95 points)
Remember, Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with bold, flavorful dishes like BBQ ribs, grilled meats, and spicy cuisines, making it perfect for your fall and winter gatherings.
Elegant Pinot Noirs
When you’re looking for a lighter, more refined red wine for fall and winter, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. Known for its elegance and complexity, this versatile grape offers a range of styles perfect for cooler months.
Pinot Noir Characteristics
Pinot Noir is typically light to medium-bodied with a pale to medium color due to its thin skins. You’ll notice a complex array of flavors, from ripe cherry and raspberry to intriguing undertones of forest floor and tea leaves. On the nose, you’ll experience a symphony of red fruits, earthiness, and sometimes gentle hints of vanilla and smoke when oak-aged.
With its silky tannins and bright acidity, Pinot Noir offers a smooth, velvety texture. The alcohol content usually ranges between 12-14%, contributing to its elegant mouthfeel. As it ages, you might detect notes of mushroom and leather.
Top Pinot Noir Regions
- Burgundy, France: The birthplace of Pinot Noir, known for its earthy and floral style.
- Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, California: Produces bold, full-bodied Pinots with dark cherry flavors.
- Willamette Valley, Oregon: Offers fruity, light Pinots with flavors ranging from cranberry to dark cherry.
- Central Otago, New Zealand: Known for darker Pinots with cherry, baking spice, and cola-like finish.
- Ahr, Germany: Produces riper Pinots (known as Spätburgunder) with plum-like flavors and earthiness.
Best Pinot Noir Recommendations
- Hirsch Vineyards Block 8 Pinot Noir: An elegant and balanced Sonoma Pinot with layers of aroma and subtle fruit.
- Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: A classic Russian River Pinot with a supple, elegant palate and wonderful balance.
- St. Innocent Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir: An outstanding Oregon Pinot with soft depth of fruit and fleshy palate.
- Wentworth ‘Wentworth Vineyard’ Pinot Noir: An epic American Pinot that transcends typical descriptions.
- LOT 160 Bourgogne Pinot Noir: A sustainable Burgundy Pinot priced at $29.99.
Remember, Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with lighter meats, salmon, and earthy vegetables, making it perfect for your fall and winter gatherings.
Luscious Merlots
Merlot Flavor Profile
When you sip a glass of Merlot, you’re in for a treat. Known for its soft, sensual texture and approachable style, Merlot offers a range of flavors that adapt to various climates. You’ll typically experience notes of plum, blackberry, and black cherry, often layered with hints of graphite, herbs, and cocoa. As Merlot ages, it develops intriguing aromas of chocolate, meat, and tobacco.
Top Merlot Regions
- Bordeaux, France: The birthplace of Merlot, where it’s often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Right Bank Bordeaux wines showcase Merlot’s rich plum flavors with distinct earthy and herbal nuances.
- Tuscany, Italy: Here, Merlot is a key player in “Super Tuscan” blends, offering a unique mix of ripe fruit and structured tannins.
- California, USA: Napa Valley and Paso Robles produce full-bodied Merlots with ripe fruit flavors and a slightly minty freshness.
- Washington State, USA: Known for Merlots with ripe black fruit flavors, fresh acidity, and a herbal edge, particularly from regions like Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla.
- Chile: Offers a range from easy-drinking, fruity styles to more structured examples, especially from regions like Colchagua and Maipo.
Best Merlot Recommendations
- Realm The Tempest 2017 (Napa Valley): Offers notes of blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry with a touch of violets and smoke.
- Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2017 (Napa Valley): Features vanilla, oak, plum, and blackberry flavors.
- Leonetti Merlot 2015 (Walla Walla Valley): Showcases plum, cherry, cocoa, black licorice, and orange peel notes.
- Les Roches de Yon Figeac Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (France): Presents flavors of plum, cherry, and raspberry.
- Le Macchiole Messorio 2016 (Tuscany): Offers unique notes of burnt oranges, black olives, silky dark fruit, and walnuts.
Aromatic Grenaches
Grenache Characteristics
When you sip a glass of Grenache, you’re in for a treat. This versatile grape offers a range of flavors that adapt to various climates. You’ll typically experience notes of red fruits like raspberry and strawberry, often complemented by a subtle white pepper spice. Grenache wines are known for their sweet, fruity, and aromatic profile with low tannin content. As they age, these wines tend to develop leather and tar flavors.
Grenache Growing Regions
Grenache, or Garnacha in Spain, originated in the country’s northern region of Aragon. It has since spread to other regions, including southern France and Australia. In 2015, there were 163,000 acres of Grenache planted worldwide. France and Spain currently account for 87% of the world’s Grenache production.
Best Grenache Wines
- Southern Rhône, France: Known for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where Grenache often makes up over 80% of the blend.
- Priorat, Spain: Produces concentrated wines with aromas of licorice, brandied cherries, and tar.
- McLaren Vale, Australia: Features old vine Grenache in “GSM” blends with Syrah and Mourvèdre.
- Sardinia, Italy: The Cannonau di Sardegna DOC wine must be 90% local Grenache.
For a unique experience, try the Save Our Souls Grenache 2022, which offers aromas of plum, raspberry, cinnamon, and pepper, with a hint of Turkish delight.
Fruit-Forward Barberas
Barbera Grape Characteristics
When you sip a Barbera wine, you’re in for a treat. This light-bodied grape offers a unique combination of rich flavor and bright acidity. You’ll typically experience notes of blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry, with some versions leaning towards red fruits and others towards black fruits. The wine’s deep color might surprise you, as it’s much darker than Nebbiolo-based wines.
Barbera Wine Regions
Piedmont, in Northern Italy, is the birthplace and epicenter of Barbera. The Barbera d’Asti appellation is considered the grape’s most prestigious, achieving DOCG status in 2010. You’ll also find excellent Barberas from Barbera d’Alba DOC. Outside Italy, California’s Sierra Foothills and Central Valley produce noteworthy Barberas, as do Australia’s McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills.
Top Barbera Picks
- Barbera d’Asti: Look for wines from the Nizza subzone for top-quality expressions.
- Barbera d’Alba: These wines tend to be dense and structured with intense fruit flavors.
- California Barberas: Expect fruit-forward styles that showcase the grape’s natural acidity.
- Australian Barberas: Try wines from South Australia for a New World interpretation.
Remember, Barbera pairs wonderfully with a wide range of foods, from pizza to grilled meats and pasta dishes.
Hearty Tempranillos
Tempranillo Grape Characteristics
When you sip a glass of Tempranillo, you’re in for a treat. This versatile grape offers a unique combination of leather and cherry flavors. The finer the wine, the more balance you’ll find between earth and fruit. Tempranillo wines typically finish smooth, with lingering tannins on both sides of your mouth.
Tempranillo can be characterized as medium- to full-bodied, with red fruit characteristics. While it can taste full-bodied from good vintages with new-oak aging, it has thinner skins and larger grapes than Syrah, appearing more translucent in the glass.
Tempranillo Wine Regions
Tempranillo thrives in sunny, hot, and elevated climates. Rioja in northeast Spain is the most well-known region for producing Tempranillo wines, with a history dating back to at least the 1500s. Other notable Spanish regions include Catalunya and Ribera del Duero.
Outside Spain, you can find excellent Tempranillo wines in Portugal, the U.S., Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. In Portugal, it’s often referred to as “Tinta Roriz” and is key in producing Port wines.
Top Tempranillo Picks
For a taste of exceptional Tempranillo, try these top picks:
- Marques De Riscal Gran Reserva, 2016
- Muga 2015 Prado Enea Gran Reserva Red (Rioja)
- Vega Sicilia 2017 Pintia Tinta del Toro (Toro)
- Bodegas Olarra 2011 Laztana Gran Reserva Red (Rioja)
- Beronia 2013 Gran Reserva Tempranillo (Rioja)
These wines showcase the versatility and depth of Tempranillo, perfect for elevating your fall and winter dining experiences.
Rustic Sangioveses
Sangiovese Grape Characteristics
When you sip Sangiovese, you’re tasting Italy’s most widely planted grape variety. This late-ripening, robust grape offers a unique combination of elevated acidity and assertive tannins. You’ll typically experience flavors of cherries, herbs like sage and rosemary, and savory notes of leather and tobacco. In riper vintages, you might detect plums, and some Sangiovese wines contribute hints of violets.
Sangiovese Wine Regions
Tuscany is Sangiovese’s proverbial home. Here, it stars in the “Big Three” of Tuscan reds: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. In Chianti, Sangiovese must comprise at least 70% of the blend, while in Brunello di Montalcino, it’s the sole grape used. You’ll also find excellent Sangiovese-based wines in Umbria and Marche.
Top Sangiovese Picks
- Peteglia Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva 2016: Offers impeccably integrated oak and sweet, woodsy spices.
- Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018 Colledilà: Shows how profound 100% Sangiovese can be.
- Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva 2018: Features tart cherries, leather, and violets.
- Castello di Ruspoli Chianti Classico Riserva “Ruspoli” 2016: Balances ripe plum fruit with hoisin sauce and umami notes.
Full-Bodied Red Blends
When you’re looking for a rich, complex wine to warm you up during the cooler months, full-bodied red blends are an excellent choice. These wines have been growing in popularity, recently surpassing major red wine varietals like Pinot Noir and Merlot. The beauty of red blends lies in their versatility and the winemaker’s ability to create a wide spectrum of flavors.
Popular Red Blend Grapes
Red blends often feature a combination of these popular grapes:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its high tannins, refreshing acidity, and black fruit profile.
- Grenache (Garnacha): Offers high alcohol, full body, and powerful spiciness with softer tannins.
- Malbec: Produces deep-colored wines with soft tannins and spiced dark fruit character.
- Merlot: Contributes silky tannins and concentrated blackberry and plum flavors.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Adds hearty body with fresh black fruit and cracked black pepper spice.
Red Blend Styles
Red blends can vary widely in style, from fruit-forward and easy-drinking to more structured and complex. In California, only 75% of the bottle has to be the labeled varietal, allowing for creative blending. This flexibility enables winemakers to extract specific characteristics from each grape, resulting in smoother wines with fantastic taste and easy drinkability.
Recommended Red Blends
For a classic red blend experience, try a GSM (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) blend. These wines are plush and opulent, offering flavors of lavender, baking spice, and green herbs alongside the berry and clove notes typical of Grenache. If you prefer a bolder style, look for Zinfandel-based blends, which can feature jam, smoke, cinnamon, raisin, and tobacco notes with higher alcohol content.
Warming Fortified Wines
Types of Fortified Wines
Fortified wines are perfect for cozy fall and winter evenings. These include Port from Portugal, Sherry from Spain, Madeira from the Portuguese island, and Marsala from Sicily. Each offers unique flavors, from Port’s rich sweetness to Sherry’s nutty notes. Vermouth, an aromatized fortified wine, is popular in cocktails like Martinis.
Fortified Wine Production
The process involves adding a distilled spirit, usually brandy, to wine during or after fermentation. This increases alcohol content to 17-21%, preserving the wine and adding distinct flavors. The timing of fortification affects sweetness; earlier addition results in sweeter wine, while later addition produces drier styles.
Top Fortified Wine Selections
- Taylor Fladgate 2018 Vintage Port (98 points, $120)
- Quinta do Noval 2018 Vintage Port (96 points, $100)
- Yalumba NV Rare Aged Tawny 50 Years Old Port (96 points, $240)
- Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2014 Latigo Cabernet Franc (93 points, $50)
- Schmidt 2015 Tempus Dessert Wine Tempranillo (92 points, $25)
Conclusion
To wrap up, our guide has taken you on a journey through the world of red wines perfect for fall and winter enjoyment. From bold Cabernet Sauvignons to elegant Pinot Noirs, we’ve explored a diverse range of styles to suit every palate and occasion. These wines offer rich flavors and aromas that complement the cooler seasons, creating warmth and comfort in every glass.
As you embark on your wine adventures this season, remember that the best wine is the one you enjoy most. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, these top 10 red wines are sure to elevate your experience. So go ahead, uncork a bottle, and savor the complex flavors that make red wines so perfect for fall and winter sipping.