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!
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…
Swan Bay Shiraz 2005, Scotchman’s Hill, Victoria
Scotchman’s Hill winery is located on Mount Bellarine, the extinct volcano that forms the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula on the south-east coast of Victoria. Deep purple in appearance, a complex nose displays ripe,…
Otra Vida Shiraz 2006, Mendoza
Vivid garnet red with dark violet hues, the nose offers pepper and blackberry combined with notes of dried fruits such as figs. With a smooth and velvety finish, this wine will perfectly partner steaks with rich…
Puig Ventos Garnacha 2005, Terra Alta
Coming from low yielding bush vines, these Garnacha grapes are grown high in the hills above Tarragona, enjoying this ideal location. Light red in colour with a pink edge, the wine shows concentrated fruit with…
Matetic EQ Syrah 2005, San Antonio Valley
This intensely coloured wine is dense black with a purple rim. On the nose are distinct tones of black pepper, autumnal fruits and violets. The complex palate shows notes of chocolate, leather and rich…
King’s River Shiraz 2006, Robertson
A rich, full bodied wine showing crushed black pepper aromas with hints of warming cinnamon and clove spice. Plenty of brambly red berry fruit and well integrated vanilla on the palate make this the perfect accompaniment…
La Motte Shiraz 2005, Franschoek
Working to stringent environmental, ethical and quality standards, La Motte wines enjoy success worldwide. Aged in French and American oak for 16 months, this Shiraz shows intense black cherry and blueberry fruit integrated with cigar box,…
Mount Langi Billi Billi Creek Shiraz 2003, Victoria
Made from low-yielding vines giving intensely concentrated grapes, this Mount Langi Ghiran Shiraz shows notes of plums and black fruits on both nose and palate, joined by the distinctive black pepper characters that…
McGuigan Gold Shiraz 2005
Created to celebrate winning a prestigious Australian wine award, the McGuigan Gold range is designed to showcase the consistency of style and quality that McGuigan Simeon Wines are famed for. Deep violet in colour, the Shiraz has…
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