There were vines growing wild and free long before there was anybody to eat grapes or make wine and so from the earliest of times we have enjoyed wine as an accompaniment with our meals, as part of our social interaction, for its medicinal properties and as a way of relaxing. Lucky us.

While summer calls for crisp whites and aromatic rosés, chilly winter temperatures outside mean we start to long for a satisfying glass of red wine at the end of the day and so here is a list of five outstanding values that can be enjoyed as much with hearty winter meals as by themselves.

Try These Wines!

Salice Salentino

From the Puglia region (think: the end of the heel of the Italian boot) this delicious wine is made from the Negroamaro grape. Pronounced flavors of black fruits and red berries combine with a touch of herbal notes in the finish. Great with pizza, sausage and hard cheeses.

A sloping downhill vineyard with sunset. — Photo by Sven Wilhelm on Unsplash.

Monte Antico Rosso

A nice deep ruby in color, this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a well-balanced, medium-bodied red with aromas of leather and red plum and a pleasing palate filled with licorice, vanilla and blackberry. Great with a variety of pasta and meat dishes.

Nero d'Avola

Nero D'Avola is the most important grape in Sicilian winemaking. The wines it produces are typically full-bodied and robust with loads of red berry characteristics along with plumy and peppery flavors. This wine is complex and fruity, offering blueberry and plum notes. This is great with roasts and aged cheeses.

A pair of hands holding a bunch of black grapes. — Photo by Maja Petric on Unsplash.

Two More Wines You'll Love!

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

The Abruzzi region is in central-east Italy (think: just below the back of the knee) and the majority of wines made here from Montepulciano tend to be warm, soft and ideal for early drinking. Such is the case with this wine from Quattro Mani; pleasing red fruits dominate the palate with just a hint of vanilla and cassis while moderate tannins give this plenty of structure.

Barbera d'Asti

This is a great go-to wine. Ruby-red with a little purple around the edges, this medium-bodied effort is widely considered something of a classic. Cherry and strawberry flavors are underpinned by a pleasing level of acidity making it a great food wine, especially with any tomato based pasta dish.

Lastly my favourite, this overlooked Italian Sparkling Red!

BRACHETTO D'ACQUI

A lovely alternative to Prosecco for reception drinks or due to sweetness a great dessert wine. It has light, ruby red, colour with fine bubbles. Think sweet aromas of aromatic grapes, red fruit and nuances of rose. It has a pleasant, delicately fresh taste.

Stay warm and merry tasting!