Sonoma County Red Wines for Winter Meals

It's getting to be that time of year when you can put away those rosés, Sauvingnon Blancs, and Pinot Noirs  and break out the heavy-duty wines. Not that there's anything bad about drinking Sauv Blanc in cold weather. I mean it's not like wearing white pants after Labor Day...

Usually foods get a bit heavier in winter and so can the wines.

With the wine varieties listed here there are examples of Sonoma County wines to look for. These wines should be fairly easy to find and won't break the bank. There are, of course, many more examples of great winter wines available from Sonoma County.

Chardonnay

Some people aren't fans of oaky and/or buttery Chardonnays, but this is the time of year those bigger Chards work. You don't have to go full-on oakiness if that's not your style.

Wines to look for: Something from Buena Vista, Deloach, Rodney Strong, St Francis, Sonoma Cutrer

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cab Sauv / Merlot blend

The king of red wines and often the go-to winter warmer. Really, any of the other Bordeaux grapes fit here, too (Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot). Cab Sauv is a great beef wine and who doesn't like a nice hunk of cow on a cold night (you veggies are missing out).

Some Cab Sauvs to try: Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate, Clos du Bois Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Vineyards Dry Creek Valley, Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut, Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Estate, Simi Alexander Valley.

Syrah

When you think hearty wines Syrah comes to mind. It'll stand up to any hearty meal, too. Full-bodied, dark fruit flavors and often a spicy finish matches with beef, pork, sausages, ribs, burgers, and lamb. Besides Syrah, there is its "cousin," Petite Sirah and Rhone-style blends that are often Syrah-based and may also include grapes like Grenache, Mourvedre, and Petite Sirah.

Syrahs to look for: Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate, Cline Cellars Sonoma County, Kenwood Vineyards Jack London.

Zinfandel

Zin is a great year-around wine because it works with those summer BBQs. For this time of year think beef, pork, ribs, sausages, your favorite spaghetti recipe with a food-friendly Zinfandel. Just watch the alcohol levels as some of those big ones aren't really good food wines.

Zins for winter meals: Deloach Russian River, Dry Creek Vineyards Heritage Vines, Kenwood Vineyards Jack London, Pedroncelli Dry Creek, Quivira Dry Creek, Trentadue La Storia.