FULL-BODIED REDS

We are in the midst of a cold winter season. At this time of the year, there is nothing like the warmth of home.

This is the time of hearty meals. The time of substantial red wines. Wines that warm body and soul.

Here is our selection of Full-Bodied Red wines. The best wines to drink in cold weather.

We begin in L'Empordà, right in the Catalan-French border. Gran Claustro 2012, by Castillo Perelada, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Syrah produced along the lines of the great Australian reds, but with the unmistakable character brought about by the northern, harsh Tramuntana wind. 

Heading south to Priorat, Clos Dominic Vinyes Altes 2013, of the Clos Dominic winery, combines old-vines Grenache and Carignan to produce an amazingly deep, immensely mineral red wine. Historic vintage-the best of the last 15 years.- Great ageing potential.

One of the best known wines from Jumilla, Clío 2014 is made from Monastrell, the most important variety of the Spanish Levant, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted by Bodegas El Nido.

Again to the north, the Calatayud region is famous for its very old, centenary Grenache vineyards planted at altitudes up to 1000 metres above sea level. A single varietal Grenache produced by Bodega Ateca, Atteca Armas 2014 is an extreme, majestic wine.

Another single varietal red, San Román 2013 is made from Tinta de Toro, the indigenous variety of the Toro region. Produced by Bodegas Maurodos, this wine proves that force and finesse are not necessarily opposites.

We finish with a good old classic from Ribera del Duero crafted by the Pago de Carraovejas winery. Pago de Carraovejas Crianza 2014 masterly balances the different virtues of Tinta Fina, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Until our next post,

Enjoy wine-and let it breathe.