As the January chill sets in, a robust glass of red wine can be the perfect antidote to the winter blues. According to wine expert Sam Wylie-Harris, this is the time of year to seek out bottles with real depth, layers of flavour, and enough character to warm you from the inside out.
Expert Picks for Hearty Winter Meals
Sam Wylie-Harris has curated a selection of six excellent red wines, all priced under £15 and available from major UK supermarkets. These picks are chosen for their ability to complement comforting winter dishes, from spag bol and casseroles to splendid steaks.
The first recommendation is the Tesco Finest Nero D'Avola Sicilia 2024, costing £8.50. Sam describes this Sicilian red as a rich and fruity choice, perfect with pizza, lasagne, or any tomato-based sauce. It offers notes of black cherry and savoury spice with a hint of dried herbs, providing great value.
Sunshine in a Glass from Down Under
For a taste of Australian sunshine, Sam suggests the Evans & Tate Wild Cape Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from Margaret River, available for £12 from Waitrose Cellar. This wine is brimming with aromas of blackberry, cassis, and eucalyptus. It's a concentrated, structured red with flavours of mulberry, cedar, and mint, leading to a long finish. It pairs beautifully with a ribeye steak.
Another standout is the Tasteheads Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from Chile, priced at just £7.99 at SPAR. Part of SPAR's fun, accessible range, this wine is plush and palate-coating, bursting with inky blackcurrant and brambly notes. It's an ideal match for comforting dishes like sausage and mash.
Powerhouse Shiraz and Hidden Gems
From the renowned Barossa Valley comes the M&S Collection Ebenezer and Seppeltsfield Shiraz 2024, priced at £15. Sam highlights this as a shining example of a finely structured Australian shiraz. It's super smooth, with delectable depth and notes of blackberry, blueberry, mocha, and a lick of vanilla from oak ageing. Try it with a gourmet burger.
A lesser-known but delightful variety is the Waitrose Loved & Found Braucol 2024 from Southwest France (£9.50). This fragrant red offers aromas of red berries, raspberry, and violets, with flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry unfolding alongside spicy undertones and a fresh finish. It's a superb partner for a beef casserole or goulash.
Finally, Sam recommends the Esporão Monte Velho Tinto 2024 from Portugal's Alentejano region, available at Ocado for £12.25. This velvety smooth blend is aromatic with sun-kissed black fruits and wild berries, plus subtle spicy notes. Its good structure makes it the perfect partner for roasted red meats or fried potatoes with garlic and thyme.
Essential Tools for Your Winter Wine
To enjoy these winter warmers, you'll need a reliable corkscrew. Options include the robust Beneno Wing Corkscrew (£14.99 on Amazon), the ergonomic OXO Double Lever Waiter's Corkscrew (£22.20 on Amazon), and the convenient Lakeland Rechargeable Wine Opener (£29.99), which can open around 40 bottles on a single charge.
