OK, be brave, there are only a few weeks left of this bad winter. We’ve got the grapes that’ll keep you cozy if the temps drop again, and a few hopeful sips for those signs of life that are just starting to sprout.

rioja 

• I had this Faustino Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, at a paella cooking class and it was an excellent pairing. It’s made from Tempranillo grapes from their best vineyards, and is always aged which is what gives this its dark tobacco and leather notes over the cherry. $100
• On a Rioja kick, I first tried the Vareia Beronia single vineyard at a tasting last year and it was still delicious when I tried the latest vintage this month. Black plum and dark chocolate with a searing line of acid to break up the velvety texture. $100

cab franc

Good Cab Franc is always interesting, a bit funky and on the lighter side of the red spectrum. Many wines from the Finger Lakes region are not good, but you’ll be happy if you just go straight to Hermann J. Wiemer. Their 2022 Cab Franc (which is actually the most widely planted grape in New York state!) has notes of spicy black cherry and just a touch of funk to keep it Franc-y. $45

spätburgunder aka pinot noir

Found this 2016 Schmitt Spätburgunder in my collection, and I really have to start incorporating more German reds into my mix. They’ve got a touch more spice and earth and a nice silky body. I had the 2016 but you can find the 2018 vintage in the link for $29.

white bordeaux

While most winter nights you might not want something cold by the glass, you still need whites to pair with some foods. Choose a fuller bodied, less acidic one like a white Bordeaux. Chateau Peybonhomme-les-Tours is Sauvignon Blanc that’s well rounded out by equal parts Semillon. $15

rosé

Now you’re thinking “OK, grapefriend you’re just being crazy!” Nope – winter rosé is definitely a thing. Just go for a fuller bodied, more savory rosé-making region like Tavel. The cranberry-juice color of the Chateau d’Aqueria immediately signals you’re not in Provence, and the herbal, wilder fruit notes confirm it. $24

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