So its 5 degrees outside and as you stare out the window you find that snow is gently falling. Yes you are correct it is winter. While for some this may leave a bad taste in there mouth, but for others it means it is time to break out the winter wines. It seems that as the weather changes so does our taste for wine. I know for me that on a cold winters evening I love a nice glass of port after my meal, or if I am looking for something with my meal I may pick a bold and hardy red. I think there is something about a a bold, deep and rich wine on a winters evening that helps to warm you up. I think this excerpt from the Chicago tribune gives a great picture about what I am talking about
“Speaking of alcohol, more red wine, full-bodied beers like stout, and liquors that can be mixed with coffee, such as Irish whiskey, are sold in Illinois during winter, said Daniel Clausner, executive director of the state’s Licensed Beverage Association.
On particularly cold nights, Clausner may order a beer with an appetizer, a glass of wine with dinner and whiskey with dessert.
“It definitely would warm me up from the inside and give me some stamina and determination to face the nasty cold weather,” he said.” (Chicago Tribune, “Chicago Singing winter blues”,Gerry Smith and Robert McCoppin, 2/9/11)
I think this principle also plays true to other seasons as well. I find it amazing that something as simple as the seasons changing can have a profound impact on what we eat and drink. It just goes to show you that it isn’t as complex as we may think. Let us know what your favorite wine is during the winter months. Cheers