While light white and fruit wines are the beverage of choice during hot summer months, winter drinking calls for something heartier by far. Luscious, full-bodied reds are the go-to choices for wine connoisseurs during the chilly season, and for a good reason. These wines pair well with hot, hearty meals and are typically on the stronger side in regards to alcohol content, providing just a bit of much-needed warmth with each sip. While the options for sound, robust winter wines are nearly endless, there are a handful that stand above the rest.
Oberon Napa Cabernet
One of the most popular options among American wine drinkers, Cabernet Sauvignon is known worldwide for its full-bodied taste, perfect balance of acidity, and fairly high alcohol content – as well as that deep, luscious red color. This drink pairs exceptionally well with dishes featuring red meat as an entrée, as the acidity in the drink compliments the savory taste to create a good, balanced overall experience.
This particular Oberon Cabernet was made from grapes grown in Napa Valley and sets itself apart from the rest with its complex taste and aroma. Dark chocolate, mint, smoky spice, blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry color the opening aromatic experience. The taste reflects the candied berry, spice, and herb smells and has the added charm of a strong hint of oak. The wine ends dry, and with notes of coffee, lingering fruity sweetness, tobacco, and more warm oak. This delicious wine can be found at the American Social Las Olas and Fort Lauderdale bars.
Clos Du Bois Cabernet
Another dry, delicious Cabernet, this complex beverage can also be found at the Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas American Social bars. Blackberry, smooth blackcurrant, and aged oak-barrel spice color the wine’s aroma, while those same notes create an elegant balance of strong, black fruit and a smooth, oaky texture in the taste. This is a versatile wine, and pairs excellently with grilled meats and veggies as well as spicy varieties of pasta.
De Loach Heritage Reserve Merlot
This unique wine is a Merlot, the second most popular type of wine among Americans. Merlot is similar to Cabernet but has a few key differences, such as:
• A softer taste
• Less acidic aftertaste
• Easier to drink on its own
Merlot still contains a fairly high alcohol content of approximately 13.5 percent (on average) and is a deep blue in color.
This De Loach Heritage Reserve Merlot can be found at one of the best bars in Brickell, American Social, and, true to the versatile Merlot taste, pairs excellently with any number of dishes. This wine was mixed with a small quantity of Bordeaux to promote a more complex flavor and features heady notes of blackberry, black cherry, toasted vanilla oak, and chocolate. The texture is soft, making it a highly palatable beverage for even the newest wine-drinker.
Mark West Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is defined by its bigger-than-life presence in the world of wine-lovers and the high praise it receives from connoisseurs. The medium-bodied drink is smooth and soft on the tongue and offers drinkers a fruity flavor that easily makes it the best red wine for winter occasions.
The Mark West Pinot Noir features notes of black cherry, strawberry, plum, cola, and tannis, and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. The drink is light enough to have on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a burger, roasted salmon, or other savory meats. Try this wine at the American Social bar in Tampa.
If you find yourself in the mood for a great winter wine during the chillier months, visit an American Social bar in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Tampa for a taste or two. With each of these winter-perfect wines and many more to choose from, you’re sure to find your own personal favorite. Contact us to make reservations and learn more about our excellent wine and spirits selection.