Wine Box Experience - Alex Salazar

Curl up and Get Cozy with Vino

February is a month of transitions—winter is still in full swing, but spring is peeking around the corner. It’s also a time for indulgence, whether you’re embracing cozy nights indoors, celebrating Valentine’s Day, or finding the perfect bottle for a hearty meal. This month calls for wines that bring warmth, richness, and a touch of romance to your glass.

For those lingering winter nights, bold reds like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon offer deep, dark fruit flavors and warming spice. If you’re looking for a red with a touch of elegance, a Pinot Noir or a Nebbiolo delivers silky tannins and layers of complexity. For white wine lovers, February is the perfect time to enjoy richer, more textured options like a Viognier, a Chardonnay, or a white Rhône blend. Their creamy textures and warm spice notes make them ideal. If you’re feeling something lighter yet winter-friendly, a dry Riesling or a Chenin Blanc offers bright acidity with hints of honeyed citrus. Of course, no February wine selection is complete without sparkling wines! Whether it’s a Brut Rosé Champagne for a special Valentine’s toast or a Lambrusco for something fun and slightly fizzy.

To me, the focus for this month will also take us to the “Lands of Love” where bolder styles set the mood. We’ll be focusing on countries like France, Argentina, Spain & Italy. Nothing says loving like these countries that spark the inner fires within us. Let’s look at what you’ll be curling up to this month.

Let’s get the passions fired up with the Li Veli Orion Primitivo Salento IGT. To set the mood and call on one of the greatest love stories, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This works perfectly with this wine. The grape that makes this wine is the Primitivo, which also goes by the name Zinfandel, and nothing beckons you to get closer than a rich, bold wine like an Italian Zin. It even sounds like you’re doing some illicit act, but there’s nothing wrong with a wine like this though. Best to try it next to a warm fire after you’ve pulled some barbecued meats off or simply curl up under a warm blanket to let this juice do the deed on its own. Either way, this Italian won’t disappoint. 

Keeping the warm and fuzzy feels front and center we move on the El Enemigo Bonarda. Don’t let the name fool you, this is not your enemy. Very much the opposite, the Bonarda grape has slowly become Argentina’s second most planted red grape, but it no one’s third wheel. It holds it’s on distinct place as a more approachable juicier style which can come into its own at a younger age but can improve with aging as it rests. With its dark fruits and notes of pepper, spice and cocoa it can tango toe-to-toe with a huge assortment of braised and roasted dishes like short ribs and grilled meats. It’s true beauty shines with taking your time with it. Pour in a decanter to let the wine open. Pour yourself small glasses every 30 mins and see how the wine transforms. Once it’s at its ideal point on your palate… indulge.

Whatever your plans this February, there’s a perfect wine to match the moment—so pour a glass, get cozy, and enjoy! Cheers!