Warming Reds

In red wine territory in Austria, the influence of an enormous, but very shallow lake, the Lake Neusiedl, is imperative in the ripening of the grapes. By directing cool breezes through the grapes, the wines are able to mature, and develop body and structure without too much alcohol. The Mare Pannonia references this, and presents a wine with tremendous depth of fruit, elements of sassafras and spice, and long, subtle tannins. It's the best of Austrian red in one tremendous bottle.

A wine with this much fruit weight will pair well with flavorful meats like pork, venison, or any other game, and pairs just as well with earthy, sweet veggies like roasted beets, or charred squash.

Opening with distinct notes of farm-fresh blueberries, dark flowers, and just a whiff of smoke, the Pulchra Durmiens really comes alive on the palate, with the same blue fruit present, but also more raspberry, and some meaty Syrah elements. With tense acidity, and a firm, food-friendly finish, it's a wine that will do well with a variety of fare.

The bold Pulchra Durmiens is an ideal pairing partner - big enough to stand up to the meatiest proteins, but light and expressive enough to let more delicate fare shine, it will be ideal beside roast poultry or pork with lots of spices, seared red meat with wild mushrooms, or a meaty vegetarian preparation like mushroom risotto or bolognese.

A highly unique blend that could only come from Sicily, the vigneron at Horus have rendered an alchemy of Bordeaux, the Rhône, and Sicily by way of this blend. Opening with a distinctly Italian nose of black olive, balsamic, ripe cherry, and even some salt air, the palate is rich and mouth-filling with food-friendly tannin and acidity.

A wine that invites a flight of pairing options, the Horus Rosso will do very well with a beef or pork steak right off the grill rubbed with rosemary, a hearty mushroom stew, or something a bit lighter like a classic chicken milanese.