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Winter Reds to Beat Your Winter Blues

Big Reds: Wine To Warm The Winter Soul

Big Reds: Wine To Warm The Winter Soul

We are in the thick of another lovely New England winter, and there are two important questions on everyone’s mind: When is it going to be spring again? And what am I going to drink to warm up? Before all the know-it-alls point out that alcohol doesn’t technically warm you up, because it thins your blood and actually makes you more sensitive to the cold, etc. etc., I know. But there must be something psychologically rewarding about an adult beverage that warms your bones in freezing temperatures. Most hearty New Englanders I know choose whiskey as their liquid blanket of choice. However, a near and dear choice of mine is a big, bold red wine.

Big Reds: Wine To Warm The Winter SoulA bold, spicy red with concentrated rich dark fruit notes and velvety tannins is my drink of choice from December-March, year after year. I am a person driven by logic, and the thought of consuming a cold beverage in cold temperatures confuses me and bothers me a bit, to be honest. Structurally, big red wines are the best compliment to winter weather. First, you get to drink it at a little less than room temperature, which is perfect, because most of us warm our houses to 60-65 degrees which is basically like one huge wine cellar. Also, the regions that these big reds come from, tend to be sunny and hot, creating high alcohol along with those indulgent concentrated fruit notes. Alcohol may thin your blood, but the immediate warming flush to your face is a welcome sensation this time of year. It’s almost like you can feel the sun on your face…almost. Lastly, the hearty body pairs well with hearty winter dishes. Beef stew, pot roast, lamb chops and game meats all pair well with big reds. Together, they warm your body and fill your belly, keeping you sustained for the bitter cold.

If you are not already a seasonal drinker, changing your drink of choice to match the weather, maybe I have now convinced you to be. The next thing you need to know is what to look for at the wine shop. If you like powerful reds with a balance of earth and spice, my favorite regions are the Rhone Valley of France and Ribera del Duero in Spain, with an honorable mention to Portuguese wines. For less earth and more fruit concentration, look for an Aussie Shiraz, California Zinfandel and Malbec from Argentina. These wines should probably come with a toothbrush, but if red-wine-mouth doesn’t bother you, these winter reds will help alleviate your winter blues. A bonus is that most of these aforementioned wines are value-driven, allowing you to stock up and hibernate until its Rosé season again.

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Winter Wine Dinner Series: Southern Hemipshere

Southern Hemisphere Wine Dinner at Ceres Bistro in Worcester, MA

Southern Hemisphere Wine Dinner at Ceres Bistro in Worcester, MACeres Bistro has introduced the lineup for their Wine Dinner Winter Series: Southern Hemisphere. January 28th will introduce wines from South Africa, February 18th from Chile, and March 18th from Argentina. Chef Bill Nemeroff has aptly prepared meals that pair these wines to bring out a world of flavors. Dinners include a cheese greeting and 5 courses paired with 6 featured wines from the region. $70 per event or $189 for all three—reservations required by calling 508-453-1112.

Ceres Wine Dinner Menu for January