Red Wine
While it is not necessary to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy a variety of wines, it is nice to know you are able to hold a dinner conversation about the beverage if you have to, or at least to know that if asked to select from an extensive red wine list, you will know what you are selecting.
Before explaining the differences between types of wine, some wine basics might be useful. Wines are often named for the type of grapes from which the wine is made. Also, the colour of the grape's skin determines the colour of the wine, so the darker the skin of the grape, the darker it tints the liquid. Pretty simple, so far, but now it's time to put the wines with their grapes, are you ready?
Merlot – Merlot grapes, a thin-skinned, loosely bunched variety, make one of the most common red wines around. Merlot often had hints of berry, currant, or plum flavours and tendd to be lighter than Cabernet.
Cabernet – The heavier nature and more bitter taste of Cabernet results from grapes that are much stronger in flavour than merlot grapes. Because of the tendency toward such strong flavours, Cabernet is sometimes mixed with merlot to make a blend palatable to a wider range of people.
Shiraz – The Syrah grape, after which Shiraz got its name, is a dark-skinned grape. Shiraz, like merlot, can be used for blending, but alone is recognized for having a variety of flavours, most commonly blackberry or pepper.
Pinot Noir – The Pinot Noir grape is thin-skinned and can be more difficult to grow than other varieties. Pinot Noir wines can vary greatly in taste, but are generally associated with berry and herbal flavours.
Zinfandel - When left to ripen, zinfandel grapes result in sweet, berry-flavoured wines that are often offered as dessert wines.
The last step in your basic red wine education is to go out and sample a glass (or two) of each!
QUINTA DO FOJO - Fojo 1996 75cl Bottle
Massive and muscular, with plenty of grip and loads of dark plum and bittersweet chocolate flavors. Made in a no-holds-barred style, with powerful tannins and a cast-iron structure, yet retains an impressive elegance,…
CASTELLO DEI RAMPOLLA - Vigna d'Aleco 2001 75cl Bottle
Similar to Sammarco but even bigger and longer lived. A mass of dark fruits, tannins and oakey notes. This wine will live for the next 20 years at least. Saturated ruby-purple with…
ROTHSCHILD - Almaviva 2005 75cl Bottle
Dark ruby red, intense and opaque. The nose is deep and complex, remarkably rich and concentrated, revealing fresh ripe fruits aromas, wild strawberries, black currant and blackberries nicely associated with mineral notes, spices, tobacco and…
CHATEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE - Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac, 2eme Cru Classe 2004 75cl Bottle
03 Jul
Posted by: admin in: Red Wine
CHATEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE - Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac, 2eme Cru Classe 2004 75cl Bottle
The blending was rigorous, the proportions classic. Cabernet France, particularly successful this year, was integrated. The wine is very harmonious with preserved fruits: blackcurrant and morello cherry. Mouthfilling,…
MARQUES DE MURREITA - Castillo Ygay Tinto 'Historic Vintages' 1978 75cl Bottle
25 May
Posted by: admin in: Red Wine
MARQUES DE MURREITA - Castillo Ygay Tinto 'Historic Vintages' 1978 75cl Bottle
Bright amber red in colour, with a delicate nose of rich fruit, balsamic/minerals and a hint of 'olorosso' sherry. balanced by firm, subtle oak. The palate begins with voluptuous…
BOLLINGER - La Côte aux Enfants 1999 75cl Bottle
Limited Stocks. La Côte aux Enfants comes from a small plot of 70 acres, located in the heart of the terroir of Aÿ one of champagne's Grands Crus. Exceptional for its exposure…
Fairhills Fairtrade Pinotage Cabernet 2006, Western Cape
A great value Fairtrade wine, guarantees a better deal for disadvantaged producers in the developing world. Situated in the heart of the Breede River Valley, the Du Toitskloof mountain range protects the valley from…
2 Up Shiraz 2006, Kangarilla Road
Vibrant crimson in colour with a purple hue, the nose gives rich blackberry fruit with hints of plum, dark cherry and spice. Lifted berry flavours on the palate leads to spicy, stewed plums and dark…
Yering Frog Cabernet Shiraz 2005, Yarra Valley
Made by Chief Winemaker for Yering Station, Tom Carson, who was honoured with the prestigious ‘Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, 2004. Aromas of dark cherry and…
Waiki Barrel Selection Cabernet 2005, Maipo Valley
Situated among the foothills of the Andes, the grapes were hand picked from what was an excellent vintage. Deep burgundy red with aromas of ripe red berries and spices highlighted by touches of dried…
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