• Search for:
    2Mar, 2023
    Types of red wine

    Do not make the mistake of thinking that red wine is all the same. There are some very distinct varieties and it is worth finding out more about them so you can select the correct one for you.

    Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines as it is a full bodied wine and it is a good choice if you want to start your own wine cellar as it ages well. It has rich flavours and goes well with dishes that contain red meat.

    Merlot is a good choice for blending as it is a medium bodied wine. It has very fruity flavours and some may notice vanilla notes. It is a good choice to match it with a roast dinner, such as lamb.

    Shiraz is another full-bodied wine and it is a very deep colour, thanks to the thick skin of the grape. Originally it is from France, but Australia has become one of the biggest Shiraz producers in recent years. It does have some herby notes, while some varieties will edge more towards blackcurrant. It is a great choice for a barbecue or other outdoor gathering but it also works well with cheese.

    1Mar, 2023
    Choosing wines to complement specific foods

    As a general rule, you do not have to have wines that match with certain foods. It is entirely up to you what you eat and what you drink, but if you want to complement the flavours it is worth knowing which wines work best with which foods.

    The first tip is to consider the richness of the food. Keep in mind that neither the wine nor the food should overwhelm the other. As an example if you have a ‘hearty’ food then you need a wine to match. Experts recommend that Cabernet Sauvignon goes very well with lamb, while if you are having a fish dish then a lighter wine like Soave will work as they are equally delicate.

    The trick is to pick out the dish’s most prominent ingredient or element. It may be that you consider that the sauce is the main element as it offers the most flavour. A good example of this is a curry dish. If you have a chicken curry then a red wine will be a good option as it is a relatively heavy dish with strong flavours but a lighter chicken dish will suit a white wine better.