a good glass of wine

A Good Glass of Wine February 2008

February is still soup, stew and casserole season in most of the country, so reach for a toasty, warm Shiraz to enhance those hearty, reassuring recipes you crave in winter. As thoughts turn to romance on Valentine’s Day, surprise your sweetie with an uncommon take on that grape—a Shiraz that sparkles.

The Special-Occasion Pick
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz (Australia; $23) will give you a taste of what you pay for in the over-$20 range. Big, bold, inky and dark, this full and generous wine showcases a symphony of concentrated black fruit along with chocolate and spicy peppery notes. Savor it with a rich lamb stew, then move fireside and savor it some more.

The Weeknight Pick: Delicato California Shiraz
When you need an approachable sip that sings, consider the delightful Bota Box California Shiraz. Jammy and bright with subtle hints of vanilla, it’s a soft, easy-going wine perfect with pasta, chili and chicken. A three-liter box—the equivalent of four bottles—retails for $18 to $20. Once opened, it stays fresh for at least 30 days.

A Little Sparkle for Valentine’s Day
Combining the unmistakable heft of a big, rich Shiraz with the thrill of bubbles, Shingleback Black Bubbles Sparkling Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia; $25) is perfect with meaty fare.

The Weekend Pick
Shiraz often becomes richer and more concentrated as it goes up in price, and Red Knot Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia; $12) provides a character-filled case in point. Toasty vanilla and spice notes linger among stirring red and black fruit flavors. Yet a few bright notes glimmer through, making this one very food friendly.