It’s cold out, so your dinner menu probably has a lot of hearty dishes on it. Of course, if you’re enjoy a hearty dish, you’ll need a robust wine to match. Here are a few picks from our tasting panel, each available for $20 or less. Cheers and enjoy! 

Ancient Peaks 2016 Zinfandel

Grape(s): Zinfandel

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Lots of blackberries and dark cherries mingle among notes of spice, toasty oak, and cocoa on the nose. The palate showcases flavors of blackberry, cherry, and currant alongside accents of mocha, brown spice, and vanilla. Rich fruit and refined tannins make this a Zin to pair with BBQ chicken pizza.

Rating: 90

Joel Gott 2016 “Shatter” Grenache

Grape(s): Grenache

Region: Maury, France

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Blackberry and black cherry aromas weave together among nuances of pepper and vanilla on the nose. Flavors of blackberries, dark cherries, and boysenberries flow into highlights of black pepper, minerals, and vanilla. This wine bring old and new world together nicely, as ripe fruit is in harmony with a savory character. Match with deep dish pizza.

Rating: 90

Alamos 2016 Red Blend

Grape(s): 50% Malbec, 30% Bonarda, 15% Syrah & 5% Tempranillo

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Price: 5-10

Tasting Notes:

Notes of blackberries, blueberries, and cherries mingle among nuances of smoke, herbs, and anise on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of plum, blackberry, and dark cherry that meld with suggestions of smoky oak, spice, and licorice. Fruity and savory flavors are in harmony, framed by polished tannins, open a bottle with a Mexican stew.

Rating: 89