Whether keeping warm around a fire, heading out on the town on a date night or nestling under a cozy blanket. There’s something deeply satisfying about nursing a glass of wine. You're invited to warm up on a cool evening in Irving to these five wine suggestions.
1. Shiraz
Rugged, bold, and Australian. You might think I am talking about Chris Hemsworth, but not in this post, today we are discussing Shiraz. The perfect winter wine, this grape provides black fruit flavors and savory tones. Shiraz pairs beautifully with grilled meats, gamey proteins like venison and boar, and just calls for big leather chairs by a fire. With that being said, LAW Restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort is the perfect place to enjoy this high ABV wine that will warm you right up during these frigid winter months. I recommend ordering the Dry Aged Meatballs to start, then either the Ribeye steak or Tomahawk for your entrée with creamy mashed potatoes and crispy Brussel sprouts on the side. Now that’s my kind of winter dinner!
2. Sangiovese
Italian food is amazing year-round, but winter is the perfect time to indulge in hearty pasta and classic entrees which pair perfectly with a bottle of Sangiovese. This wine is complex, earthy, and rustic that goes great with meats and vegetarian dishes alike. From the regions of Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino, and Chianti Classico, Sangiovese is a big crowd pleaser and its complexity asks to be sipped by the fireplace and enjoyed with a cigar. Food pairings include tomato sauce dishes, roasted winter veggies, sausage, pizza, and hard cheeses; basically all my favorite things! Irving has some great Italian restaurants that are sure to complement this beautiful wine. From Lamberti’s Ristorante, try the Eggplant Parmesan or Deluxe Pizza. Lamberti’s is always a great idea with fresh ingredients, family recipes, and easy online ordering for pick-up or delivery. For a more formal experience, visit Bruno’s Ristorante located on the banks of the Valley Ranch canal trails. Crispy Fried Zucchini, Italian Sausage & Peppers, and Vitello al Marsala are delicious options to order with your Sangiovese.
3. Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic and a favorite for a reason, Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect winter wine! Peppery steaks, brisket, and duck are just some of the great cold weather entrées that pair great with a Cab. Popular regions to get your bottle from are Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Washington state, and Sonoma Valley. Classic Cabernets will show flavors of blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, and tobacco. For a great wine list and food pairings, head to The Ranch at Las Colinas. To start, try the Texas Meat & Cheese Board or the delicious Elk Tacos. For entrees, any of their great local beef filets, ribeye steak, or the Slow Smoked Bone-in Beef Short Rib. There is no shortage of amazing Texas meats, and a large wine selection makes The Ranch a perfect spot to enjoy your Cabernet. If you think you have a good bottle of wine at home, head over to the best BBQ spot in Irving that is also BYOB, Post Oak Smokehouse. Brisket, ribs, and sausage with some killer sides, Post Oak is a great spot to load up on some Texas classics and your favorite bottle of Cabernet.
4. Chardonnay
White wine can be a winter favorite if paired with the right foods. Chicken, turkey, sea bass, lobster, gruyere cheese, cream sauce pasta, and cream-based soups are some great warming entrees to enjoy with a nice oaky Chardonnay. It's rich, buttery, and full-bodied with flavors of vanilla, butter, caramel, and a touch of citrus. A great Irving spot to enjoy all the wonderful dishes that pair with Chardonnay is Mercy Wine Bar & Lounge. Not only do they have an incredible wine list, but dishes like the Melted Goat Cheese Salad, Cheese Plate, and their Market Fish will make all chard-lovers rejoice! Check for bottles from California, Burgundy, Willamette Valley, and New Zealand. Head over to Water Street and dine in or order to-go at Cork & Pig Tavern for pairable dishes like Crab and Parmesan Dip, Crab Cake Salad, Wood-Fired Chicken, and the Veggie Pizza! It is going to be hard to choose from these delicious dishes.
5. Champagne
As Champagne is the go-to beverage for the holidays, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day, it makes sense to call this bubbly drink an official winter wine. Like all other wines, you can splurge on a distinctive bottle or enjoy on a budget. It's light, refreshing, and insanely versatile when it comes to food. Pair with oysters, fried chicken, fries, bacon, popcorn, cheese, and nuts. My favorite place to sip on a crisp glass of Champagne is at Pacific Table Las Colinas. If the weather permits, definitely sit on their lakeside patio, which does have a firepit section to keep you warm. Try ordering the Raw Oysters, Korean Chicken Sandwich, and Garlic Rosemary Fries. Is it just me, or is your mouth watering too? Those are some incredible pairings!
