From fireplaces to blankets to curling up with our loved ones on the couch, nothing says winter like that warm feeling our bodies seek. There is something about those heavy sweaters that can remind you of comfort and relaxation. But something else happens when we experience these cold nights; our palates find themselves craving warm and full-bodied flavors. As the seasons move from barbecues in the backyard to the peaceful falling of snow, our stomachs crave those hearty winter meals. And what goes better with a good meal? A great glass of wine.

As the seasons change, it’s a great time to explore new flavors of wine. No matter what mood you may be in, certain wines fare better for the winter months. It should bring you warmth and comfort. Perhaps you prefer to stick to your favorite wine choices, but here are some suggestions if you’re ready to branch out.

Tips for Choosing a Wine

When choosing a wine for winter, you may find different characteristics of the wine that seem to just hit a little differently. Here are some suggestions to help you choose the one that is just right:

● Acidity | Wines that are higher in acidity tend to pair better with foods that are sweeter or contain more fat. From holidays to Super Bowl parties, you may find many of these types of foods more of a staple in the winter months. Wines that are higher in acid include Rieslings, Sauvignon Blancs, Chenin Blancs, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Grenaches.

● Alcohol content | Not all wines are the same when it comes to alcohol content. In fact, the alcohol content in wine will help you determine if the wine is sweet or dry. Higher alcohol contents tend to indicate a dryer wine. When considering how to pair a wine with food, you will want to consider how dry a wine is. A great recommendation is to pair sweeter wines with more savory foods, as the counteracting qualities of each mean neither are too overpowering.

● Region of the wine | Where the wine comes from matters when picking the one that is right for you. The region of wine can play a part in its characteristics of it. As an example, a grape grown in cooler weather won’t ripen as quickly and leaves the resulting wine higher in acidity and lower in sugar. It is often recommended to pair your wine and food together based on region. If pasta is on the dinner plate, pour a glass of Italian wine to complement it.

Payless Liquors

If you’re not sure what to have this winter, stop into any Payless Liquors and let our team help you choose what’s right for you. Whether you’re ready to branch out from your usual, you’re making a favorite family recipe, or it’s a popcorn and movie night by the fire, we can help you pair the perfect wine for the perfect evening to leave you with all the warmth you need this winter.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to pull out all the stops and treat your special someone to an exquisite dinner. If you want that dinner to be truly memorable, then it needs the perfect pairing of food and wine. We’ve put together some suggestions for a Valentine’s Day feast that will make Cupid jealous!

Appetizer 

For a starter, what could be better than Roasted Tomato Bruschetta? This classic dish is best enjoyed with a light, crisp and slightly sparkling white wine – like an Italian Prosecco. It’s got just the right balance of fruitiness and acidity to complement the bright, tart flavor of tomato.

Dinner

For the main course, why not serve up a classic Surf and Turf? The big bold flavors of the steak need an equally robust wine, so a nice Cabernet Sauvignon will do the trick. With notes of blackberry, plum and spice, it’s sure to add that extra special something to your Valentine’s feast.

Dessert

Finish off the dinner with a decadent chocolate cake. To bring out the sweet, creamy flavor of the dessert, go for a Merlot or Riesling. These two varietals are a match made in heaven when it comes to helping you indulge your sweet tooth.

With these carefully selected wine pairings, your Valentine’s Day dinner will be truly special. You can be sure that it will make your date go weak at the knees!

Don’t forget to pour a glass of something bubbly, too – like champagne or sparkling wine – for a celebratory toast. Pour it into those fancy flutes and make this Valentine’s Day a night to remember! Find the perfect wine at Payless Liquors today.

Whether planning a romantic night at home with your partner, a dinner party among friends, or simply relaxing after a long day, choosing the perfect wine for your situation can be a complex process. The choices are seemingly endless, which may lead you to choose reliable and common options. However, there is a long list of underrated wines that also deserve your attention. If you are looking to branch out, try some of our wine recommendations below.

Gamay

Gamay is likened to Pinot Noir and is oftentimes referred to as the cousin of Pinot Noir because the Gamay grape is grown in France nearby world-renowned Pinot vineyards. Hailing from the Beaujolais region of Burgundy, Gamay holds its own within the region. This light red wine features an earthy, red fruit taste. Because Gamay is not aged, it is a more affordable option than Pinot Noir, which is aged for long periods.

Grüner Veltliner

Grüner Veltliner is a white wine almost exclusive to Austria. It is highly acidic with strong citrus flavors; thus, it is often enjoyed during the summer. It is compared to Sauvignon Blanc, but for only around $15 a bottle, it’s a much more affordable alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo features a bold, big, structured taste, like that of Cabernet Sauvignon. Tempranillo is a Spanish grape and is, in fact, one of Spain’s most prominent grapes. It is the predominant grape of the Rioja region, which is known for producing some of the best wines in Spain. It offers a dark fruit flavor, specifically black cherry, with notes of spice and tobacco. It pairs well with filet mignon or any steak or barbecue. Look for a label that says “Rioja” to know you have the right bottle.

Falanghina

Falanghina is an ancient wine grape that is grown off the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, which borders the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its flavor is just how you would imagine it—full of essences of lemon, pear, apple, and orange blossom. If you like Chardonnay, you will love Falanghina. It pairs well with seafood but will also complement grilled chicken or even pizza.

Touriga Nacional

Made in Portugal, Touriga Nacional wines are full-bodied wines that are long-aged, much like Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Young wines from Touriga Nacional, however, are very tannic, which leaves the mouth feeling dry after you’ve sipped them. But if aged properly, these wines are soft and elegant. Expect a rich flavor full of blueberry, blackberry, plum, bittersweet cocoa, and subtle tones of stimulating mint with violet. Touriga Nacional wines, even when aged for a long time, are much cheaper than Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair them with bold dishes like a smoked meat sandwich, tripe stew, or grilled octopus.

If you’re a wine connoisseur, we know you will appreciate these underrated and lesser-known wine varieties. They hold their own in terms of flavor and structure and can make a beloved conversation fresh and new. Visit Payless Liquors for a fine assortment of underestimated wines, as well as all your traditional, well-known favorites.