The other day because of the influence of cold air, most of the country's cities have plummeted in temperature, cold wind, friends in the north successfully piled up the snowman, and the southern Shenzhen weather is also full of 30 minus 15, overnight to open the quick-freezing mode, dusty autumn and winter coats can finally be taken out and put on, is not sure how many days this time can wear ... Cough, talking about off-topic, Xiaobian today in addition to warmly remind everyone to pay attention to dressing warmly, but also brought you a winter wine matching guide, come and see it together ~
01
Pinot Noir
When it comes to what red wine is suitable for winter, you can't go wrong with Pinot Noir. Most pinot Noirs are light, with low to medium tannins, seductive aromas of red fruits, flowers and subtle earthy notes, or delicate elegance, or juicy, or pure and fresh, and the style is very varied. Pinot Noir has a high acidity, and it is recommended that everyone eat it with chicken and duck, which can be degreased and enhance the deliciousness of meat.
While eating meat in a big mouthful, a cup of Pinot Noir is dry and red into the belly, and the aroma of wine between the lips and teeth is lingering, which is really the happiest thing for foodies
02
Nebbiolo
When it comes to wines that don't match the interior from the outside, it's Barolo and Barbaresco, which are not made in Nebbiolo, Italy. On the surface, their light colors are easily reminiscent of Pinot Noir, making you think it's better to enter, but this "beast" from Piedmont is not as gentle and idyllic as you think.
These two red wines are known for their high tannins, high alcohol content and high (full) body, which we in the industry joke about as the "three highs", and they have seductive tar, rose and sour cherry notes. After years of polishing, it can gradually emit aromas of violet, wild herbs, raspberries, truffles, tobacco and dried plums, which are complex and intense, and their taste will become more rounded, smooth, friendly and easy to drink.
In the cold winter, you actually need a strong wine like Barolo and Barbaresco dry red, paired with foods such as risotto, bamboo shoots, mushrooms and truffles, to drive away the cold and warm. For this type of large wine, we recommend decanting the wine for about 45 minutes after opening the bottle, so that its aroma and flavor can be opened, and then eat it until it is slightly drunk
03
Shiraz
In this season of all things, many people may miss the warm sunshine, so this time to come to a cup of Australian Xylar dry red is the most appropriate ~ Australia's Xylla dry red is like a passionate fruit bomb, it has a rich and warm black berry aroma, sweet spice smell and high alcohol, drink a sip can bring people full of vitality, is simply "in situ full of blood resurrection"!
Foods that are suitable for pairing with shiraz are lamb and roast meat, or some of the more spicy foods.
04
Cabernet Sauvignon
For many, the first grape variety they come into contact with when they first get started with wines may be Cabernet Sauvignon, and the classic Bordeaux Blend, which dominates it, is regarded as a textbook presence. Wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon are complex in aromas, with hints of plum, berries, vanilla, black pepper, tobacco, cedar and leather, with tannins usually being medium to high.
Despite its complex flavor and strong style, it is still very suitable for drinking in winter, after all, classics are always classics and are not easy to make mistakes. It is recommended to accompany foods such as roast meat and roast duck.
05
Merlot
Merlot's wine, like its own name, is softer than Cabernet Sauvignon, the tannins are more acceptable, full of red fruit, and even a glass on a cold winter day will not feel heavy.
According to the old and new world styles, Merlot's wines can be medium to very full, or more supple and sweet with fruity aromas. However, due to its strong plasticity, in fact, its style can become more and more, so it is suitable for all kinds of food~
06
Sangiovese
Similar to Nebbiolo, Sangiovese is also a highly acidic, tannin-high Italian grape variety, and the two major players of italy's five DOCG wines, Chianti Classico and Brunello, are made from it, and sangiovese's red wines are usually rich in aroma, mainly with aromas of sour cherries, herbs and leaves, and after aging, they develop fig, mineral and earthy aromas.
Rugged and natural, Sangiovese's red wines are a perfect match for many winter delicacies, such as tomato sauce, grilled vegetables, sausages, pizza and hard cheeses.
07
Chardonnay
Many friends see this may be a little confused, winter is suitable for drinking white wine is not it? The answer is yes. Even on cold winter days, Chardonnay is still very pleasing. They have a full-bodied bouquet, rich aroma of butter, vanilla and toffee, and they always feel warm when drunk.
08
Madeira
As an after-dinner drink in winter, Madeira could not be more appropriate. After dinner, three or five friends get together, drink Madeira and chat, tell stories, which is probably one of the happiest things in the long night.
Madeira is a famous fortified wine that originated from the island of Madeira in the southern Atlantic Ocean of Portugal. In the Age of Discovery, wine was constantly ravaged by the heat of the day and the cool nights during long voyages, and in order to prevent the wine from spoiling, brandy was added to the wine. In the process of this continuous cycle, the wine became deeper in color and richer in taste, while also developing flavors such as nuts and dried fruits, which were loved by the explorers of the time.
Later, the people of Madeira followed suit to make Madeira fortified wine. Due to the special Madeira winemaking process, the wine has a high acidity, a high alcohol content, excellent aging potential, and can be stored for several months even after opening the bottle, so it is also known as "the wine of immortality" and "the wine of longevity".
Madeira with a toasted and smoky flavour is best paired with dark chocolate desserts, sweet puddings or cheesecakes to add a touch of warmth to this cold winter. Its excellent acidity also freshens the mouth without making these delicacies look too sweet, making it a must-see choice for dessert lovers. The higher alcohol level makes you feel comfortable after drinking, and your body becomes warmer.
09
Sparkling wine
Soon to the end of the year, Christmas, New Year's Day seems to be not far away, all kinds of year-end parties are also going to be up, how can this time be less "king of atmosphere" sparkling wine? As a refreshing and lively wine that adds to the atmosphere, sparkling wine is perfect for any occasion. What's more, no matter what the food, it's almost impossible to go wrong with sparkling wine. On a boring winter day, a glass of sparkling wine may bring you more vitality!
10
Amarone
Amaroni is from the Veneto region of Italy, where the love story of Romeo and Juliet is said to have been born. In terms of winemaking process, Amaroni wines are often made using the Passito Method (also known as the wilt method), which is a process of air-drying grapes harvested early and high acid.
In the autumn, the winemaker places the harvested grapes in a dry and ventilated room to dry for at least 2-3 months, so that the grapes lose some of their moisture and the sugar and flavor matter can be condensed. The resulting wine has a full body, rich flavor, high alcohol content and a sweet taste that is difficult to forget after a sip.
On a cold winter night, open a bottle of Amaroni with your lover, taste this "sweet bitterness" together, and wish that the feelings between each other are as thick and long as this Amaroni, how wonderful!