Four Wines for Cozy November Nights

Chilly November, with its skittish weather, calls for some self-indulgence on the home front. I’ve curated a list of wine suggestions so you can try something new in your glass this month. Grab your favourite blanket and curl up by the fireplace or watch your favourite re-runs. The weather outside is frightful, but the wine is so delightful!

BADEL IVAN DOLAC PLAVAC MALI 2019
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

This is a truly outstanding wine, crafted from Plavac Mali, an indigenous grape that grows along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Wondering what it tastes like? Plavac Mali is very fragrant and the flavour profile includes plums, ripe dark berries, regional herbs, dark chocolate, mocha and vanilla. In Croatia it’s known as the “King of Red Wine”. I can see why! Its satiny smooth texture, excellent acidity and layers of flavour make it very versatile with food. You can drink it with grilled calamari or roast duck and it absolutely sings with lamb garnished with rosemary. Thinking ahead to the upcoming holiday season, this would make an excellent gift wine, so it would be wise to buy a few bottles; one for you and the others to give as gifts.

Extra Dry • 14% • LCBO VINTAGES# 39758 • $40.95

PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER 2022
Alsace, France

A fragrant and mouthwatering wine that is a total delight to savour. You’ll find aromatic notes of rose petal, ginger, citrus and lychee on the nose and also on the satiny palate, balanced with excellent acidity and a lingering, fragrant finish. This is the perfect wine to pair with a spicy curry or Vietnamese cuisine.

Dry • 13.5% • LCBO VINTAGES# 747600 • $20.95

MEGA SPILEO MALAGOUSIA 2022
Achaia, Peloponnese, Greece

Continuing my odyssey of Greek wines, I recently tried this lovely Malagousia. This refreshing white wine has delightful orange zest and herbal notes on the nose and palate, with a crisp mouthfeel and lingering hint of orange on the finish. Pair it with fish and chips or roast chicken.

Dry • 12.5% • VINTAGES# 36837 • $19.95, on clearance for $17.25

PLANTAZE MONTE CHEVAL VRANAC 2020
Montenegro

I’ve bought this flavourful and versatile red wine several times, because there’s a whole lot of value in this bottle! It’s made from the native Vranac grape, which flourishes in the hot, sunny Mediterranean climate of the Skadar Valley where it grows. It shows blueberry, blackberry, plum and floral notes on the nose, with a fruity palate led by blackberry flavours, further enhanced by licorice and herbal hints. Interestingly for a red wine, it was aged in inox tanks, which has optimized its fruit flavours. Enjoy this wine now or cellar it for several years. Try it with prosciutto or pair it with roast beef, game or fatty, mature cheeses. Extremely good value here!

Dry • 13.5% • LCBO# 542498 • $11.65

For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com

Header photo: iStock