Red wine discovery 101
Friday, June 01, 2012
Nothing compares to a smooth glass of Merlot to make you feel cosy on a cool evening. Red wine is heavier than white in texture and more suitable for pairing with or post an evening meal. We explore three popular red wine varieties and provide recommendations for some excellent local labels.
Pinot Noir
Sales of Pinot Noir soared by 16% following the 2004 release of the film Sideways . It continues to be fashionable and with good reason – this red wine has legs. The grapes consistently produce some of the world's finest wines, with lightweight textures and berry-based flavours. A recommended label, available at GraysOnline, is Six Foot Six 2010 from Geelong, with a bright cherry tone and fresh, fruity taste.
Merlot
A dense, velvety and soft red wine with hints of plum. The third most widely grown red wine grape in the world , the most common labels have low tannin levels that make Merlot easy to drink. It's a diverse variety, but generally it does not have a strong flavours compared to other red wine, which means it can be overpowered by richer dishes. Pair it with delicate foods for a good balance. Pirramimma 'NV' Merlot from McLaren Vale is a superb choice, retailing for around $100. Buy in bulk on GraysOnline and you could find it at a steal of the price.
Shiraz
Spicy, full-bodied and with peppery undertones. This powerful blend of red wine hits your taste buds with a bang. Shiraz wine – or Syrah – is fast gaining in the popularity stakes and is grown widely across Australia, particularly in the Barossa Valley. For a special occasion, try Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2001. A unique liquorice bouquet and dark berry flavours blend exquisitely with spices from the French barriques in which it has been matured.
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