The era of light, crunchy wines is firmly upon us, but has anyone noticed that it’s coincided with a serious downturn in wine consumption? We’re sure it’s just a coincidence, but we’re just as sure there’s a large cadre of people who like their wine to be bigger, warmer and altogether more welcoming than challenging—and we’re okay with that. So, to go with these comfort recipes, we’ve sourced out some comforting wines that want nothing more than to embrace you with their deliciousness.

READ MORE: Around My Table: The Perfect Recipe for Comfort-Food Season

Bartier Bros. Pristine Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2024 ($20)

Rosé isn’t normally a comfort wine regardless of what all those throw pillows from Winners say. But in this odd year of imported grapes, winemaker Michael Bartier is experimenting with an entire spectrum  of rosés—this one, made with atypical cabernet, is nothing like those ethereal  offerings from Provence. It’s muscular,  structured and lip-smackingly friendly (and comes in at a very comforting $20).

SpearHead Dual Citizen Sauvignon Blanc 2024 ($29)

Winemaker Grant Stanley is celebrated for his deft touch with pinot noir, but the Washington grapes that make this wine lend themselves to a much riper, rounder profile than found in his award-winning reds. This SB is more Bordeaux than New Zealand, with a warm melon profile and nary a hint of cat pee—and enough body to embrace the fish curry.

Poplar Grove Merlot 2020 ($30) 

Poplar has always specialized in elevated crowd-pleasing wines, and their merlot could easily be the poster child for what a well-made comforting wine should be. It starts with an ample dose of ripe fruit— plums, dark cherries—married to some cozy vanilla courtesy of the oak barrels and then the entire package is aged for much longer than almost any other winery would do (this 2020 is the current vintage). The result is mellow and fantastically smooth but with enough natural acidity to never veer into overbearing territory.

Neal McLennan

Neal McLennan