Seeing Red

The weather clearly makes an impact on culinary preferences, leading us to summon husky soups in cold weather and crunchy salads in summer. But we Louisianans like to command our own food rules, so a bowl of hot gumbo, as long as it is delicious, is just as welcome in mid-August as it is come December.

The same way, muscular red wines have year-round appeal. And why not? After a lengthy summer, most meals now are taken in the comfort of a well chilled indoors. Medium- and full-bodied reds are essential mates for beef and lamb, themselves dishes with perpetual appeal.

Altos de Luzon

Jumilla • 2006

Spain • $14

This medium-bodied Jumilla presents good jammy fruit, hints of oak, tobacco and solid tannins. It’s great with grilled steak, pork, and my favorite, a medium-rare hamburger made from filet trimmings. Be sure to decant for the full experience.

Montoya

Cabernet Sauvignon • 2007

Napa Valley • $11

An affordable, appealing Cab, this wine is produced from grapes grown in Napa Valley and is aged in French and American oak. It is fruit-forward with hints of vanilla and toast. Try this solid weeknight pleaser with a grilled T-bone, flank steak, sirloin or braised short ribs.

Meiomi

Pinot Noir • 2009

Belle Glos • $25

Picking Pinots can be notoriously tricky, and it seems that more are disappointing than satisfying. This one is a success and reveals the thing we love about this varietal: balance. The grapes derive from vines in Sonoma, Santa Barbara and Monterey, and the resulting alchemy is a food-friendly, silky wine that features concentrated berry and spice and good minerality. Try this with balsamic glazed pork ribs or lamb chops with Indian spices.