Winter Wines to Keep You Warm

It's the middle of January, and for a lot of us, that means that we are living and drinking in the midst of winter with plenty of chilly days still ahead. What do we drink when we would rather be at the beach? What about those of us who live in warmer climates and don’t have to worry about snow but want to transport ourselves to a winter wonderland through wine? Well, we all know we can drink whatever we want at any time of year because we don’t need to limit ourselves, but which beverage is the best for winter? We have quite a few recommendations. If you’re a fan of white wines and don’t think they are exclusive to warmer weather, check out Ellen Clifford’s article all about winter whites . Ellen shares, “Now that we are officially into the winter chills (happy belated solstice), I still want white wine. It is a matter of extremes. I either desire the rich, the nutty, the honey-layered and lees-y—the wine that fills me with almost too much muchness, like a Christmas cookie gone rogue…OR! I desire: Something so frosty that my snow-hued skin goes a shade of white unbeknownst to vampire-kind. A drink/wine with the pallor yet weight of a vodka martini with ample vermouth, lemon twist and dry ice finish. I’m goth, so I don’t dream of a white Christmas, so much as an ivory solstice. Go fig. For this column we are looking mostly to the first category I named—the full and fuller and fullest of white wines. All with good acid though. Gotta get that cut.” Now if you would like to feel the warmth of springtime in the middle of winter, maybe you should pick up some winter rosés. Ellen saves the day again with her Winter Rosé Wonderland recommendations. According to Ellen, “A rosé can warm you and also chill you so hard you’re hot. And at a holiday party, you may be a hot number in black satin filling the winter night with your warm vibe so hey! Why not spill some rosé? Also recommended in cold climes: a vodka martini with ample vermouth garnished with a lemon peel. Counter intuitively that’s a GREAT freezing cold winter drink. That or one of these rosés is gonna keep you warm. We all deserve rosé AROUND THE SUN. Pink knows nor gender nor season and I am here to prove it. #RoséAllYear.” Ellen has suggestions for traditionally thought, warm-weather wines, but what about red wines? Or cocktails perfect for drinking after spending time out in the snow? We’ve gathered notes from the Delectable community, and from Barbera to Grenache Blanc, Delectable users know how to pick their winter wines. If you’re leaning more towards cocktails, check out our cocktail series that features beverages such as the Sazerac , the Boulevardier , and much more. Enjoy all the beverages winter has to offer!