Cheers to a New Year

Paint the town red with a glass of our favorite vino.

Resolve to go Red

Whether you sip it solo or pair it with your favorite meal, a glass of red wine is a satisfying way to start the New Year. And, with winter in full swing, it’s the perfect time to savor the rich flavors of robust varietals—from complex Pinot Noir to full-bodied Cabernet.

Why red? Aside from its tantalizing range of flavors, aromas and hues, red wine may also offer potential health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Antioxidants like resveratrol are found in the skins and seeds of grapes, which are included in the fermentation process of red wine.

No matter when or how you choose to enjoy it, we’re certain that a splash of red is a beautiful complement to almost any meal. So raise a glass in the New Year to some of our favorite red wines—especially if you’re pairing them with the flavorful new foods we’re featuring this month!

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sometimes referred to as the “king” of red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is big, bold and best served with food. Pair it with full-bodied meat like beef, lamb or duck, aged Gouda or blue cheese or dark chocolate desserts.

Substance Cabernet Sauvignon Hand-harvested and aged in French oak, this Charles Smith wine creation comes from the Columbia Valley in Washington. Notes of cassis, black currant and hints of plum dance on the palate, with smoky layers of dark fruit and solid tannins. This wine is brooding and deep with a silky elegance and a deliciously long finish.

Recipe Pairing: Korean Sirloin Stir Fry

Quilt Napa Cabernet Sauvignon This new wine from Joe Wagner is crafted from a patchwork of six prime Napa Valley vineyards. Quilt Cabernet is dark purple in color with aromas of crème de cassis, hazelnut, cocoa and blackberry preserves. Flavors of licorice, rhubarb, strawberry and chocolate finish with lingering notes of vanilla and spice.

Recipe Pairing: Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Coconut Ganache

Pinot Noir

Notoriously difficult to grow, Pinot Noir grapes produce some of the tastiest, most versatile fruit-forward wines. Pair Pinot with oilier fishes such as salmon, chicken and turkey dishes, pasta, stews or casseroles.

Merryvale Starmont Pinot Noir The cool climate in Carneros is ideal for this finicky Pinot Noir. This deep garnet-hued wine boasts aromas of rose petal, raspberry, cherry, rhubarb, hints of campfire and subtle earthiness. The palate is soft and bright with flavors of tart cherry and sweet strawberry accented by balanced acidity and minerality.

Recipe Pairing: Italian Turkey & Spinach Meatball Soup

Alto Limay Pinot Noir The vineyard for Alto Limay is located in the high elevation region of Patagonia in Argentina. Bright red in color with aromas of flowers and fruit including red currant, raspberry and strawberry, this juicy red wine is a pleasure to sip. On the palate, earthy notes and a touch of minerality are balanced by hints of cocoa and vanilla.

Recipe Pairing: Sweet Potato, Kale & Chorizo Stew

Red Blends

Blends are some of the most complex and interesting types of wine. Blending often maximizes the expression of aromas, color, texture, body and finish, making the final product a more well-rounded bottle. Depending on the varietal mix, blends will pair with a mix of cuisine from chicken and pork or portabella mushrooms to red meat.

The Prisoner Red Blend An innovative blend incorporating Zinfandel with the unlikely mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Charbono. Enticing aromas of Bing cherry, dark chocolate, clove and roasted fig. Persistent flavors of ripe raspberry, boysenberry, pomegranate and vanilla linger harmoniously, for a smooth and luscious finish.

Recipe Pairing: Thyme Crusted Beef Tenderloin

One Million Cuttings Old School Red A relatively new brand from Tahbilk, this wine is a medium to full bodied red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Aromas reminiscent of cassis, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, flavors of abundant blackberry, anise and mulberry with hints of pepper on the dry, slightly spicy finish.

Recipe Pairing: Beef and Black Bean Chili