Heart-Healthy Beverages

Page: 1 2 (of 2)	Previous

Red Wine Recommendations

If you’re curious about red wines, but are not sure where to start, here are five easy-to-love, go-to reds.

• Echelon Central Coast Pinot Noir (California): Silky often describes a great Pinot Noir; unfortunately, so does expensive. Here’s an exception: a Pinot Noir with plenty of shimmery silkiness and richly layered elegance—without a high price tag. Look for bright cherry aromas and a little baking spice as you sniff and ripe-fruit flavors and oaky notes as you sip.
• Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon: With its medium to full body and hints of cedar, oak, and spice, a good Cabernet Sauvignon is a great cold-weather wine. Louis M. Martini offers a reliable label for Cabs priced in the moderate to splurge range. This one offers plenty of red and black fruits to spare. Great with steak, this wine also makes a great gift.
• Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot (California): Merlot sometimes gets a bad rap for being simple, easy to sip, and not much else. Here’s an exception. This one has plenty of soft, plush textures, plus intense ripe-berry flavors and touches of toasty-warm spice, vanilla, and licorice. Serve it with salmon as well as meaty winter stews.
• Wolf Blass Yellow Label South Australia Shiraz (Australia): In France it’s called Syrah; in Australia, Shiraz (shee-RAZZ); and in California it goes either way. This wine from Down Under is a perfect choice for Merlot lovers who want to try something new—they’ll appreciate its rich smoothness and mix of berry and spice. Pair it with robust foods that contain garlic, onions, and rosemary.
• Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva (Italy): Maybe you’ve tried Chianti before—poured from a straw-covered bottle at your favorite pizzeria or family restaurant. Now try a more sophisticated Chianti. Here, the cherries taste darker and richer, with smoky, earthy tones. If you don’t fall in love at first sip, try it again with grilled or roasted meats. Like many Chiantis, this shines brightest at the dinner table.