From full bodied varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon (or Cab Sav) and Shiraz (like the Heathcote Creek Shiraz) to the light and fruity Pinot Noir or Grenache, exploring all the types of red wines available is enough to make your head spin.
Luckily, we’re making it easy for you to find your perfect match, no matter what occasion you’ve got coming up!
How do I pick the right wine?
Exploring the best red wines for some of life’s biggest (and smallest!) occasions
We’re making it as easy and fun as possible to buy wine online! Read on to discover the best red wine when you’re…
…Planning date night
If the name of the game is romance, then luckily for you, you’re spoilt for choice!
- Discover a local Syrah from Geelong
- Enjoy the versatile flavour profile of Sangiovese
- Go for bold, deep flavours with Cab Sav
…In the mood for celebrating!
Sparkling is, of course, THE wine for celebrating, but if you’re after a red wine, might we suggest Pinot Noir?
It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser: easy drinking, full of flavour, and a brilliant all-rounder. Cheers to that!
…Drinking during summer
We know that red wine often calls for a cosy winter night in, with the sound of the rain outside our window and an open fire keeping us warm. But red wine is hardly limited to the cooler months. It can be enjoyed during summer, too!
The trick is to consider choosing a lighter variety, and to consider any food you’ll be enjoying alongside a beautiful glass.
Some simple food pairing include:
- Building an epic cheese planner? Consider Cab Sav – a beautiful pairing for cheese and charcuterie
- Enjoying a pizza party? Pair your slice with sangiovese
- Cooking up some gorgeous fresh salmon? Pinot noir is a great match
- Simply enjoying the warmth of the summer sun? You can never go wrong with rosé!
And if you’re feeling fruity, why not create a home-made sangria mix?
It’s so easy to do: all you need is a fruity wine like Grenache or Pinot Noir, plus orange juice, a dash of brown sugar, and a chopped up orange and apple. One sip, and you’re instantly transported to a Spanish fiesta! See the recipe here.
Best of all, you can prepare a large quantity to keep the drinks flowing all afternoon.
…Cooking
Red wine is a staple in many delicious dishes, so if you’re looking for a red wine for your next casserole, slow-cooked lamb, or chicken dish, reach for Cab Sav, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.
Acting as a marinade, a cooking liquid, and flavouring, red wine adds body and flavour to all your favourite dishes.
…A total wine novice! What wine should a beginner start with?
We’ve mentioned it a number of times already, so it’s no real surprise that if you’re new to red wine, we suggest starting with a Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir is a type of red wine that is light in body and colour. It is made from a grape variety of the same name, and is typically grown in cooler climates.
Pinot Noir wines are known for their delicate flavour and aromas, which can include notes of cherries, strawberries, and even roses. Because of its light body and fruity flavours, Pinot Noir is a great option for those who are new to drinking red wine.
It is also relatively low in tannins, which are compounds that can cause astringency and bitterness. As a result, Pinot Noir tends to be more approachable and easy-drinking than other types of reds.
What are the 5 basic wine characteristics?
Expanding your wine knowledge or keen to discover a new drop? We suggest getting to know these 5 main characteristics of wine.
Sweetness
Though all wines contain some natural sugars, these are usually consumed during the fermentation process. In order for a wine to be considered sweet, there must be a significant amount of residual sugar present.
The level of sweetness can range from barely perceptible to syrupy, and it can play an important role in balancing wines with high acidity levels.
Sweet wines are often served as dessert wines. However, they can also be enjoyed on their own or with savoury foods. Regardless of how it is enjoyed, a sweet wine can make a delicious and memorable addition to any meal.
Acidity
The acidity of a wine is determined by the conditions under which the grapes were grown.
The most important factor is the presence of rain during the growing season, as this can affect the level of acids in the grapes. Other environmental factors, such as the amount of sunlight and temperature, can also influence a grape’s acidity.
In general, cooler climates produce wines with higher acidity levels, while warmer climates produce wines that are more fruit-forward and less acidic.
Tannin
Tannin is a natural compound found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. It is responsible for the astringent, drying sensation that many people experience when drinking red wine. Tannin can also have an impact on a wine’s flavour.
In general, tannin levels increase as a wine ages. This is why young wines are often described as “fruity,” while older wines often have more complex flavours.
Alcohol
The alcohol content of wine can have a significant impact on its flavour.
Wines with a higher alcohol content tend to be fuller-bodied, with more pronounced flavours. In contrast, lower alcohol wines are typically lighter in body and more delicate in flavour.
Additionally, the type of grape used to make the wine can also affect its alcohol content. For example, Merlot grapes typically have a lower sugar content than Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, resulting in a lower alcohol wine. When choosing a wine, it is important to consider both the alcohol content and the flavour profile to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Body
The body is the final piece of the puzzle, and is actually the “result” of all the other characteristics combined. For example, a light-bodied wine is more acidic and less alcoholic, while a full or heavy-bodied one is the opposite.
Wine is a complex beverage with a wide range of flavours and aromas. Finding the right wine can be a challenge, but it can also be a lot of fun!
Experimenting with different wines is a great way to learn about the different styles and discover which ones you like best. There are many ways to experiment with wine, including trying wines from and experimenting with food pairings.
Buy wine online with I Like Wine
By taking the time to explore all that wine has to offer, you’ll be sure to find the perfect bottle for your next special occasion. Looking to buy wine online in Australia? I Like Wine has a huge variety of popular and rare red wines as well as white wine, sparkling, spirits, and more!
And be sure to check out our wine sales to snap up a bargain!
