February, the shortest month of the year, often feels like a bridge between the depths of winter and the first hints of spring. The air remains crisp, the nights are still long, and it's the perfect time to embrace warmth, creativity, and a love for fine wines. Whether you're curling up with a good book, exploring a new creative passion like painting or writing, or revisiting familiar flavours in your wine collection, February is an opportunity to reflect and discover. Here are five outstanding wines that embody the essence of this unique month.
1. Château Nouret (Médoc, France)
Why It’s Perfect for February: This Bordeaux beauty is structured yet accessible, making it a great choice for those long winter evenings when you want to settle in with something classic but full of character. With its balance of blackcurrant, toast, and leather, it pairs beautifully with heartier comfort foods, ideal for chilly nights.
Tasting Notes: Château Nouret offers deep blackcurrant and blueberry notes, enhanced by a touch of toast and leather. The 12 months in oak, with 30% new barrels, add layers of complexity and a plush mouthfeel.
Pairing Recommendation: A juicy burger or a creamy beef stroganoff will highlight the wine’s structure and smooth tannins.
We Say: A testament to how terroir influences the wine, this vintage benefits from the warm 2015 season, resulting in a beautifully balanced, drinkable Médoc.
2. Château de Chamirey Mercurey White (Burgundy, France)
Why It’s Perfect for February: This crisp, yet creamy white Burgundy is a beacon of spring’s promise, while still offering the richness we crave in winter. It’s an excellent choice for those moments when you want to start looking ahead to warmer days but aren’t quite ready to leave behind the cozy comfort of winter whites.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of peach and white fruits, with creamy oak and hints of wood-spice. The palate remains fresh and vibrant, delivering layers of stone fruit and floral complexity.
Pairing Recommendation: Perfect alongside fresh fish dishes—think buttery sole or herb-roasted cod.
We Say: A sophisticated expression of Mercurey, sourced from six different vineyard plots and aged in lightly toasted French oak for 11 months.
3. Domaine Alain Gueneau Sancerre Rouge (Loire Valley, France)
Why It’s Perfect for February: A lesser-known gem of the Sancerre region, this light and aromatic Pinot Noir offers a refreshing counterpoint to the heavier reds of winter, making it a wonderful choice for those looking to explore something new this month.
Tasting Notes: Vibrant ruby in the glass, this wine boasts aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, cacao, and toasted spice. The palate is elegant and silky, with flavours of cherries in brandy, tobacco, and nutmeg.
Pairing Recommendation: Pairs beautifully with pork, lamb cooked pink, or duck. For cheese lovers, try it with Camembert or goat cheese—or for a surprising contrast, enjoy it with lightly smoked salmon.
We Say: A personal favourite among the team, this wine is perfect for those looking to try something different while still indulging in comforting flavours.
4. Domaine Bonnardot Haute Côtes de Nuits Âge Mûres Rouge (Burgundy, France)
Why It’s Perfect for February: February is an introspective month, and this elegant Burgundy invites quiet contemplation. The blend of two Pinot Noir parcels, aged in clay-limestone soils, produces a wine that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly bright.
Tasting Notes: Black fruit and rose on the nose, with flavours of blackberry jam and blackcurrant. The finish is long and peppery, with supple tannins that linger pleasantly.
Pairing Recommendation: Enjoy it with duck, guinea fowl, marinated pork chops, or creamy French cheeses like Morbier or Saint-Nectaire.
We Say: A wonderful example of an organic, family-run estate that prioritizes sustainability and biodiversity in winemaking.
5. Domaine des Trois Cellier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Insolente (Rhône Valley, France)
Why It’s Perfect for February: A rare and precious white from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, this wine embodies luxury and elegance. It’s perfect for special February moments—whether you're celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply toasting to the beauty of the season.
Tasting Notes: A pale yellow wine with a greenish tint, offering aromas of flowers, spice, and paprika. The palate is powerful yet balanced, with a lingering soft, unctuous yet dry finish.
Pairing Recommendation: An exquisite match for scallops, or ravioli stuffed with goat cheese and honey. Serve slightly warmer than traditional whites for best expression (12° to 14°C).
We Say: Often overlooked in favour of its red counterpart, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a hidden treasure—this vintage is particularly exceptional.
Final Thoughts: February is a Month for Rediscovery
As we navigate this unique time of year, let February be a month for rediscovering old favourites and exploring new wines that complement both the coziness of winter and the promise of spring. Whether you’re sipping a rich Médoc by the fire or raising a glass of crisp Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc to the first signs of bloom, these wines are sure to make your February a month to savour.
Which of these five wines will you be uncorking first?
Cheers to a month of warmth, creativity, and unforgettable flavours.
