Michelle Lawlor of The Nude Wine Company on the best velvet reds to stock your wine rack with this season, including the just awarded Best Red Wine in Ireland at the National Off Licence Awards.
As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like settling in with a glass of rich, warming red wine. Velvety reds are my go-to choice for the colder weather—packed with intense flavours of blackberries and plums and a smooth, velvety finish that feels like the perfect indulgence. But what exactly makes a wine velvety? It’s all about the fine tannins, which give the wine its silky mouthfeel, the lush, rounded texture that envelops the palate, and the rich concentration of fruit that adds depth without overwhelming the senses. Together, these elements create that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth sensation we love in velvet red wines.
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or enjoying a hearty autumn meal, these wines strike the perfect balance between bold, fruity notes and a touch of spice, with just enough earthiness to keep things interesting.
Herdade do Peso, ‘Trinca Bolotas’ Alentejo Tinto, €19.95
Just awarded Best Red Wine in Ireland 2024 at the National Off-Licence Awards, Trinca Bolotas from Alentejo is a rich, bold wine layered with a touch of spice and a silky texture and brimming with dark fruits like blackberries and blackcurrants. Known for their incredible value, Portuguese wines like this one are perfect for those who want a big, flavourful red without breaking the bank. Ideal for chilly autumn evenings, this wine truly delivers both in taste and affordability.
About the region: The Alentejo region of Portugal is often hailed as the hidden gem of European wine. Known for its rolling plains, warm climate, and rich history, Alentejo produces wines that are bold, full-bodied, and bursting with flavour. The region’s sunny days and cooler nights allow the grapes to develop deep, concentrated flavours, making it a hotspot for wine lovers seeking quality and value.
iMuri Negroamaro, Puglia, Italy €17.75
Bursting with blackberries and blackcurrants, this full-bodied Negroamaro from Puglia offers the rich, velvety texture that wine lovers can’t get enough of. The subtle hint of savoury spice adds complexity to the well-balanced flavours, showcasing exactly why Southern Italian reds are so popular. Offering exceptional value alongside its bold flavours, this wine is a fantastic choice for those seeking both quality and affordability.
About the region: Puglia, known as the “heel” of Italy’s boot, is a sun-drenched region famous for producing bold, flavourful wines that offer exceptional value. The region’s warm Mediterranean climate and rich soils provide the ideal conditions for the Negroamaro grape to thrive. Known for its intense dark fruit flavours and smooth, velvety texture, wines from this region, like the iMuri Negroamaro, truly capture the heart of Southern Italian winemaking. With its balance of blackberry and blackcurrant notes, along with a subtle hint of savoury spice, this wine is a testament to Puglia’s ability to produce high-quality, full-bodied reds at an affordable.
Bedoba, Saperavi, Kakheti, Georgia €23.95
If you’ve yet to explore Georgian wines, the Bedoba Saperavi is an ideal introduction. This full-bodied red is packed with rich flavours of dark fruits, herbs, mocha, caramel, and chocolate. Partially fermented in traditional Qvevri clay pots alongside stainless steel tanks, it beautifully blends ancient winemaking techniques with contemporary flair. For those seeking something bold and intriguing, this wine is perfect for chilly evenings when you want a deep, complex glass to savour. It’s a must-try for the adventurous wine drinker!
About the region: Georgia, often referred to as the birthplace of wine, offers a rich winemaking tradition that spans over 8,000 years. The Kakheti region, where the Bedoba Saperavi originates, is Georgia’s most renowned wine region, known for its unique approach to winemaking, including the use of ancient clay vessels called Qvevri. These clay pots allow the wine to ferment and age in a truly distinctive way, preserving bold, natural flavours. The Saperavi grape, indigenous to Georgia, thrives in Kakheti’s climate, producing wines with deep, intense fruit flavours and remarkable complexity.
The Nude Wine Co, thenudewineco.ie
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