As November is upon us our tastes turn to some warm winter reds and whiskies that will stoke the fire inside and help keep the cold at bay. Cozy up and enjoy some of these wines and whiskies. They are guaranteed to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling when it’s frosty out.
Ziffolo Chianti
From the heartland of Tuscany, this Sangiovese-based wine from the Chianti region speaks of pasta meals followed with warm eves by the fire. It is brimming with fresh red berry aromas that are overlaid with oak nuances and a slight earthiness. The palate offers a lively acidity and the medium tannins lend structure with oak spice finishing of in the end. Perfect wine for pairing with anything tomato based from antipasto to pasta to pizza to winter stews.
Nero Oro Nero d’Avola
The Nero d’Avola grape is Sicily’s star. The appassimento style of drying the grapes enhances the overall flavours and texture making this wine a rich and ripe style. Fragrant dried cherry and violet aromas lead into an intense palate bursting with porty, plummy and vanilla flavours. Oak ageing lends some astringency along with the medium tannin structure. This wine is served best with rich foods such as meaty dishes and hard cheeses to stand up to its intensity.
Cono Sur Organic Cabernet Sauvignon/ Carmenere / Syrah
What a fantastic deal from this top producer on this organic wine that is loaded with flavours of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and peppery spice. This wine is medium bodied and displays a medium firm tannin structure making it suitable for meaty dishes.
I.W. Harper Bourbon
I.W. is a brand that has been around in some form since 1872. Like any Bourbon, there is a high level of corn in the mash and it was aged in newly charred white oak barrels for a few years before release. Banana, dried fruits, vanilla ice cream and butterscotch immediately hit for aromas. On the palate, it shows as a lighter Bourbon with citrus peel, caramel and warming spices coming through from the oak giving it a smooth texture.
Glenfiddich IPA Scotch
One of the first arrivals from the Glenfiddich Experimental Series – this whisky was finished for 3 months in casks previously seasoned with India Pale Ale from a local Speyside brewery. The result is a vibrant and fruity dram with flavours of lemon zest, dried apple, toffee and rich vanilla notes that come through on the length. A fascinating whisky for whisky and beer enthusiasts alike!