Winter Wine Pairings: Hearty Meals & Natural Wines

Winter demands wines with more depth, especially when paired with hearty, slow-cooked meals that reflect the Colorado chill. While others may flock to light salads to achieve New Years resolutions, I find myself craving wines that stand up to the rich flavors of winter comfort foods. Here's your ultimate guide to pairing our Winter Wine Reserve with the season's best dishes.

2022 Pinot Noir: Cozy Nights, Bold Flavors

Our high-altitude Pinot Noir shines with:

Wild mushroom risotto (earthy complexity balances the wine's bright freshness)

Slow-roasted duck breast

Root vegetable gratins

Winter beet salads with goat cheese

Winemaker's Tip: Let this one breathe for 20 minutes. The high-altitude acidity softens beautifully, revealing layers of tart cherry and wild herbs.

2021 Malbec: Fireside Feasts

A natural wine made for winter's heartiest meals:

Grass-fed beef stews

Braised short ribs

Roasted winter squash with sage

Sharp aged cheeses by the fire

Winemaker’s Tip: Best served slightly below room temperature. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes after being in your warm home to get it just right.

2021 Cabernet Franc: For Alpine-Inspired Evenings

The most versatile winter companion:

Herb-crusted rack of lamb

Winter pasta with wild mushrooms

Alpine-style cheese boards

Roasted root vegetables

Winemaker’s Tip: Decant for an hour – let the wine evolve with each sip through your meal.

Beyond the Plate: Winter Activities & Wine

After a ski day? Start with the Pinot Noir.

Puzzle night by the fire? The Malbec will keep you warm.

Cooking with friends? Let the Cab Franc be your companion.

Stargazing on a crisp winter night? Bundle up with any of these three wines.

A Wine as Alive as the Season

These are natural wines – evolving with every sip, much like the Colorado landscape. Just like you wouldn’t rush into a hot tub after a cold day, give these wines the time they deserve. Allow them to warm up naturally, especially if they’ve been chilled from a cool cellar. They’ll reward your patience with pure, high-altitude expression.

Shop the Winter Wine Reserve

PeonyLaneWine.com

P.S. Don’t forget to give your wines a few days to rest after delivery. Their high-altitude journey can be as intense as a double black diamond run.