Our palates crave warmth, depth and comfort in winter – the season for red wines that offer not just body, but soul. Whether it’s the earthy whisper of Pinot Noir or the bold embrace of a Super Tuscan, wines delivering complexity and charm without overwhelming the senses are tailor-made for sipping when temperatures dip. Here are five varietals or styles that will resonate during the months ahead.

Earth and Elegance

With its earthy undertones and silky texture, Pinot Noir is the master of subtlety. Grown best in cool climates, the grapes’ thin skins and low tannins yield wines that are light in colour yet rich in nuance.

Key regions: Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France; Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA; Central Otago and Martinborough, New Zealand

Vinification: Gentle extraction, often aged in French oak to add spice and depth

Flavour profile: Red cherry, cranberry, forest floor, mushroom, clove

Pairings: Its savoury complexity pairs beautifully with roasted meat, mushrooms and root vegetables.

Top producers: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundian legend), Cristom Vineyards (Oregon, elegant and structured), and Ata Rangi (New Zealand, vibrant and spicy).

Polished Perfection

Super Tuscans are the heavy hitters of winter reds. These blends – often combining Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah – offer richness, depth and a velvety mouthfeel. Born from rebellion against DOC regulations, they now represent some of Italy’s finest wines.

Region: Bolgheri and surrounding areas in Tuscany, Italy

Vinification: Aged in French oak, often with extended maceration for depth and structure

Flavour profile: Red cherry, plum, tobacco, leather, dried herbs, espresso

Pairing: Their bold flavours and smooth tannins are ideal for grilled meats, aged cheeses, and meaty noodle and pasta dishes.

Top producers: Antinori (iconic), Tenuta dell’Ornellaia (polished and accessible), Sassicaia (legendary Bordeaux-style)

Savoury Sophistication

Cabernet Franc is a winter wine for those who love savoury, herbaceous reds with a touch of graphite and spice. It’s medium-bodied but layered, offering a balance of fruit and structure. 

Key regions: Loire Valley, France, especially Chinon, Saumur and Bourgueil; Napa Valley, California, and Finger Lakes, New York, USA

Vinification: Often fermented in stainless steel or neutral oak to preserve freshness; some producers use amphora for added texture

Flavour profile: Red currant, plum, bell pepper, violet, pencil shavings

Pairings: Its herbal edge and acidity cut through rich dishes like lamb, lentils and aubergine.

Top producers: Domaine Bernard Baudry (Chinon, earthy and refined), Clos Rougeard (Saumur, cult favourite), Lang & Reed (Napa Valley, juicy and aromatic), and Ravines Wine Cellars (Finger Lakes, crisp and mineral-driven)

Spicy and Structured

Blaufränkisch is a winter sleeper hit. With its dark fruit, peppery spice and vibrant acidity, it’s a bold and balanced wine that warms from the inside out.

Key regions: Burgenland, Austria; plus Württemberg, Germany, and Yakima Valley, Washington State, USA, where it is known as Lemberger

Vinification: Often aged in large oak barrels or crafted biodynamically

Flavour profile: Blackberry, black cherry, black pepper, earthy minerality

Pairings: Hearty fare – think sausages, lap cheong clay-pot rice and goulash

Top producers: Weingut Moric (benchmark for elegance), Weingut Heinrich (biodynamic and expressive), Kiona Vineyards (Yakima Valley, bold and fruit-forward)

Youthful Joy

Beaujolais Nouveau is often seen as a celebratory wine, released just weeks after harvest. But the bright fruit and low tannins of the Gamay grape make it a delightful winter red.

Region: Beaujolais, south of Burgundy, near Lyon, France

Vinification: Carbonic maceration – whole grape fermentation in a carbon dioxide-rich environment

Flavour profile: Raspberry, strawberry, banana, bubblegum, violet

Pairings: Serve slightly chilled with charcuterie or rich terrines. Its easy-drinking nature makes it perfect for casual gatherings and festive meals.

Top producers: Georges Duboeuf (classic Nouveau), Marcel Lapierre and Yvon Métras (natural Cru Beaujolais with more depth), Château Thivin (structured and age-worthy)

Winter Cheers

These five reds offer more than just warmth; they bring stories of place, tradition and craftsmanship. Whether you’re curled up with a book or hosting a festival feast, let these wines be your seasonal companions.