Some people know what they like and gravitate toward the same wines year-round. But if you’re anything like me, you find that as the weather outside gets frightful, you reach more often for buttery whites and richer reds. There’s something comforting about pouring, swirling, and sipping wine that you know will warm you from the inside out.

To achieve this effect in white wines, look for those that have spent time in oak to impart toasted flavours. Chardonnays are the classic choice here, but it’s not unusual to find oak in Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, or other white varietals as well. In reds, you’ll want fuller-bodied wines with less emphasis on fruit and more on bolder flavours like spice, leather, and chocolate. For this profile, varietals that grow well in hot climates fit the bill: think Shiraz, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon as examples.

Here are three less traditional examples of great winter wines that might surprise you with how well they’ll keep you cozy until the return of sunnier, warmer days.

Robert Oatley Signature Series Chardonnay 2020
Margaret River, WA, Australia
LCBO # 350900

Australia’s Margaret River region is best known for producing stellar Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. This example of the latter from one of the region’s most prominent wineries strikes a delightful balance between a rich base of vanilla and toasted coconut and fresh tropical notes of pineapple, lemon, and passionfruit that leap out of the glass. With enough acidity to cut through rich dishes, this pairs very well with braised chicken or even a spicy chicken curry.
Score: 8/10

Conde Valdemar Reserva Rioja 2015
Rioja, Spain
LCBO # 947309

Spanish reds vary in intensity. This one is medium-bodied and presents with a black cherry nose that’s typical of the Tempranillo grape, which makes up the majority of its blend. On the palate, though, it’s not the least bit fruity: black pepper, dark chocolate, and cinnamon all contribute to its warmer quality. This is a good choice for those seeking a winter wine that’s spicy but not heavy. Try it with a late-season grilling effort such as marinated flank steak.
Score: 7.5/10

2019 Prieuré de Cénac Malbec
Cahors, France
LCBO # 12985

The Malbec grape has become so deeply associated with Argentina that some may forget it originated in the old world. The Cahors Appellation d'origine contrôlée in France requires that its wines be comprised of at least 70% Malbec to achieve its AOC designation, so if you love this grape then that’s where to focus your search. This fantastic example pours nearly opaque and coats the inside of the glass with its rich garnet colour, and a melange of licorice and dark fruits on the nose gives way to a woodsy medley of herbs and pine. We paired this with the steak and potato stew recipe you’ll find on the next pages, 70 & 71.
Try it with this or other braised red meat dishes, or sip it with some dark chocolate to extract its fruitier undertones. This is drinking beautifully or will cellar for years; a phenomenal value.
Score: 9/10