The Lowdown on the Best Australian Red Wines
Australia’s vast landscapes and versatile climates allow for the growth of many grape varieties that create bold and velvety wines. The optimal moisture, pH level, and temperatures influence the flavour and texture of each bottle.
If you’re a fellow wine lover or have a close friend who is, pick your favourite Australian red wine pack from the wide range of options online! You’ll find a variety of tannic and acidic wines, such as Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot, Grenache, and many others at discount prices. Instead of spending a fortune on a single bottle, get yourself a pack of dozen and save up to 70% of the retail price!
In the next paragraphs, I will talk about the most popular reds in Australia and help you select the ideal red wine package for your preferences. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a Christmas gift, these beverages are a real treat for the taste buds!
How Do I Find the Best Red Wine?
Victorian grapes are typically lighter in colour and less sweet in cooler, moister places like the Mornington Peninsula. Alternatively, reds from warmer places, such as McLaren Vale, will be more alcoholic and have a fuller flavour. This is the case as grapes ripen more quickly in warmer areas.
Reds are more than simply the bitter liquid that people drink on special occasions; they have a variety of distinct properties. When deciding which one to buy, consider the following qualities:
- Flavour: Reds can have a fruity, zesty, fruity, herbaceous, spicy, or woody flavour, or any combination of these! For instance, Sangiovese is more savoury, earthy, and rustic than reds like Merlot, which are delicate and fruity. Basically, you can find any flavour somewhere in a bottle. Oenophiles even use leather, rubber, and petrol to describe the flavour of certain reds!
- Boldness: This term describes how dark the red, purple, or blue colouring is. Climate and the percentage of tannin are its key determinants. The acidic tannin is what provides texture, body, and flavour;
- Smoothness: This term describes the red’s lack of acidity, as well as how easy it is to drink. This typically results from a deficiency in tannins and ageing, which can soften the flavour. If you want a wine that’s smooth and mellow, any older bottle will do. Merlot is considered one of the silkiest types;
- Food pairing: The wine-food pairing can either make or break your social gathering. You need a variety of dishes to go with the alcohol and counteract its bittersweetness. Pair seafood dishes with light reds, chicken with medium reds, and red meats with bold red wines.
What are the Most Popular Red Wines in Australia?
Australia’s most popular reds are Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. So, when you’re looking for red wine packs get yourself one of these varieties! The rich culture and background of these reds are what make them so popular. Here’s a short overview of each of them:
- Shiraz: These reds are characterised by smoky, fruity, and peppery tones. This kind of red is known as Syrah in other regions of the world;
- Pinot Noir: Due to its light to medium body that makes it easy to drink, Pinot Noir is a fantastic choice for new tasters. This drink also pairs well with a wide range of dishes. The flavour of Pinot Noir varies depending on where the grapes were cultivated. Pinot Noir grapes planted in cooler areas typically produce wine that tastes dewy and leafy, while types grown in warmer climates have notes of berries;
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Since this is one of the most extensively grown kinds of grapes, they’re widely accessible all over the world. It was first cultivated in Bordeaux, France, but is now grown all over the world, from Australia and New Zealand to the USA and South America. Cabernet Sauvignon, or Cab Sav for short, features flavours of cherries, herbs, and spices and gets better with age.
Out of these three, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most consumed red in the world. One reason for this is that it matures well and for a very long time. It also thrives in a variety of conditions.
Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo, and Zinfandel/Primitivo are well-known reds produced outside of Australia. If you want to get a more unusual drink and demonstrate your wine knowledge to wow your guests, these are great options. Negroamaro, a ripe, black, southern Italian red, is another choice for a classy beverage.
In Australia, fortified wines (those that have been distilled together with a spirit) are also widely popular. Get a Marsala red wine pack if you’re an avid fan of fortified reds!
What is the Strongest Red?
The general rule with reds is that a deeper colour results in a richer flavour. It could also suggest a greater alcohol concentration. Look for red wine packages with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Amarone, or Barolos if you want strong reds. Grapes grown in warm regions have more weight, a higher alcohol concentration, and superior ageing potential.
Bottom Line
With the prices of food and beverages going up, getting ready for the holidays becomes a challenging task. If you’re a fellow wine lover looking for the next big online deal, browse through the excellent wine packages from Wine Direct and treat your taste buds while saving your wallet!