Chillable Wines for Cold Weather

By Bob Lipinski

Yes, I know it’s winter, with bitter cold days and even colder nights, and some parts of the country are probably experiencing snow or ice, which makes things even colder and more miserable.

Now, do people near the equator only drink chilled white wine and those near the poles drink only room temperature red wine? Certainly not to both statements.

Yet, during cold weather, we still drink cold beer, and we serve most of our cocktails cold or very cold, especially a martini, which we drink “arctic cold.” So, what’s wrong with serving a glass of a chilled white or red wine?

Here are some chillable wines for cold weather…

2022 Brigid ‘Pinot Noir,’ Marlborough, New Zealand. (9.5% alcohol; 80 calories per serving) Has a “Nutrition Facts” chart, like on a box of cereal, displayed on the back label. Light ruby with notes of cranberry, dried flowers, citrus, and tart cherry with hints of herbs and wet earth. A flavorful, easy to drink wine. A great accompaniment to cheese fondue.

NV Riunite Lambrusco, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. A perennial favorite since the 1970s. Although I’m not a stranger to this wine, I’ve not had a bottle in many years. It’s frizzante (lightly effervescent) and semi-sweet, with a luscious aroma and flavor of raspberry, rhubarb, and plum, with a bitter almond aftertaste. Try with a dish of salami, mortadella and provolone.

2024 Georges Duboeuf ‘Beaujolais Nouveau,’ France. (Made from Gamay grapes). Bright red colored; intensely fruity with hints of cherry, cotton candy, hibiscus, and red lollipops. Aftertaste of boysenberry, red currants, and spices. Drink with a spicy pepper, grilled cheese sandwich.

2020 Domaine Sérol ‘Oudan’ Côte Roannaise, Loire Valley, France. (100% Gamay grapes.) Oudan is a plot of hillside land on granitic soil, first planted by Stéphane Sérol over 20 years ago. Cherry-colored with a fruity aroma and taste of strawberry, red apple, and herbs. Hints of black pepper, potting soil, and fennel. A Margherita pizza says it all!

2023 Quinta da Lixa, Alvarinho ‘Pouco Comum,’ Vinho Verde, DOC, Portugal. Perfumed, with notes of honeysuckle, white peach, lemon, orange, and pear. Hints of green peas and pineapple. Pairs well with fish tacos.

2023 Quinta d’Amares, ‘Loureiro’ Vinho Verde, DOC, Portugal. Light citrine color; notes of perfume, lemon, bay leaf, and apricot. Nuances of minerals, peach, and melon. A delightful wine for hot and cold weather. Serve with a hearty bowl of fish chowder.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com.