A glass of red wine is enjoyed by many with dinners, especially steaks and pies which are commonly eaten during the winter.
Johnny Inglis, the founder of the wine subscription club Winedrops.com, said: “We see a 70 percent increase in red wine orders in September as a lot of people don’t tend to want a refreshing cold drink in winter like white wine, especially when you’re eating hearty foods like roasts and stews.
“Red wine often has a higher alcohol content and more tannins that make it more comforting in colder weather.
“It’s also got more cosy flavours such as chocolate, leather and blackberry.”
When shopping for red wines this winter, the expert recommended keeping an eye out for medium and full-bodied red wines.
This variety is ideal as the weather turns from mild to cold, according to the wine pro.
He added: “Check labels for regions such as Gamay and Pinot Noir from Beaujolais, and Burgundy.
“Full body reds I’d recommend include Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux, Primitivo from Puglia and Amarone from Veneto.”
The expert also recommended a classic Cote Du Rhone, explaining that this is his favourite red to consume in the winter months.
Johnny noted: “It has a brambly fruit flavour underpinned by subtle oaky nuances and a lovely sweet spice.
“Imaging warm star anise with a touch of cinnamon, reminiscent of mulled wine.
“Fans of the viral ‘chicken wine’ should try their red wine from the Rhone region of France too, La Vieille Ferme, and it’s £7 in Sainsbury’s.”
The wine expert said 19 Crimes is also a very popular red wine, likely due to its slightly sweet, bold and jammy flavour.
According to the pro, it’s primarily a Shiraz blend, otherwise known as Syrah, so drinkers of this wine may also like an Australian Shiraz.
Johnny said: “My best advice is to spend a little bit more on a bottle and you’ll get something of a much higher quality.
“Try and opt for wine from the Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, or Clare Valley. One of my favourites is Dandelion Vineyards, Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz, sold for £15.95 on Amazon.”
