Types of Red Wine

When buying red wine, always be open to trying something new. There are many varieties from different types of grapes, flavoured aromas, different aging processes and productions. You’ll be surprised that with every new glass of wine, you’ll get new experiences. You could go with a red from your local Australian winery, an import from Italy, France or USA, merlot, shiraz or pinot noir. So many wines, so little time.

Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is a long-time favourite worldwide. It comes from France’s oldest black wine grape species, Vitis vinifera. It requires cooler climates to grow because otherwise, it’ll lose its finesse and trademark acidity. Because of its richness, pinot noir was planted worldwide, but the best countries to grow this grape are France, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Germany and Switzerland.

When you buy Pinot Noir red wine, you get a dry wine with light to medium red colour. It has bright acidity and silky tannins. You get rich and complex flavours of mushroom, forest floor, raspberry and cherry. If it’s aged in French oak, which some producers gladly do, you’ll also get vanilla and baking spice that brings a full textured wine. Like shiraz, warmer climates produce pinot noir with higher alcohol levels and vice versa. But overall, it varies between 12-15%.

Because it’s a dry wine, Pinot Noir is also low in calories. In one bottle of 750ml, you’ll get 625 calories or 125 calories in one serving of 150ml. You can serve the lighter varieties of this wine at a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius and the fuller-bodied ones at 18 degrees Celsius, this way; you’ll get the best out of it. Because Pinot Noir red wine is fruity, elegant, and has bright acidity, you can serve it with duck, lamb, pork, chicken, salmon. It also pairs well with vegetables, mushrooms and herbs into risotto or pasta.

Shiraz

Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is one of the most popular red wines. It was first produced in France and later planted and produced worldwide. It has aromatic notes of pepper spice, smoke and black fruit. The grapes come from warmer growing climates such as the Rhone Valley of France or Yarra Valley in Australia. Shiraz is bold in taste, has a ruby-purple colour from the red-skinned grapes, and looks terrific. Taste-wise, it offers blueberry and blackberry flavours, smoke beef jerky and bacon combined with pepper spice round up the whole shiraz taste story.

Its alcohol levels may vary from one region to another. If the region is cooler, alcohol levels will be lower (13-14%); if the region is warmer, alcohol levels go up (14.5-15.5%). Shiraz is generally a dry wine. This means that the sugar from the grapes is converted into alcohol with the help of yeast. Because it’s dry, it’s also low-calorie, and a bottle of 750ml has around 625 calories in total. Leaving it for 15 minutes in the refrigerator to reach approximately 15 degrees Celsius will make it perfect for consumption. You can serve it with game, mushrooms, pasta, duck, grilled meat and stews.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the most planted red grapes of the 20th century. It was created by accident when a red Cabernet and a white Sauvignon Blank grape were bred together in the 17th century. This happy accident led to the most famous and versatile wines in history. This plant has small-sized grapes with thick skins and a high tannin level. It’s simple to grow and requires warmer climates with more sunshine like Chile, Australia, Romania, Argentina, Italy and South Africa.

It’s very versatile, especially flavour-wise. It’s acidic and rich with aromas of cedar, mint, cherries and black currants. It also takes oak pretty well, and the woody flavour pairs with notes of tobacco, dried herbs and leather. One strange flavour is the green bell pepper, developed in under-ripened grapes. For the best experience, serve it at a temperature between 15-20 degrees Celsius and pair it with fatty food rich with proteins such as ribs, steak and sausages, but it also works with strong cheeses.

Merlot

The word merlot derives from the French “the little blackbird”. This wine offers a one-of-a-kind tasting experience with its soft and velvety texture. It can adapt to many climates, but its quality will fall behind its quantity if you overplant. Merlot is dry with medium acidity and medium alcohol levels. Because it’s adaptable, it can take many flavours like blackberries, herbs, plums, black cherries and cocoa, with hints of vanilla, clove and cedar.

It can have a deep ruby red colour with a sparkle of brick-orange tones. As it ages, it will lose pigmentation and turn garnet. When it comes to alcohol levels, merlot varies between 13-14.5% depending on the region it’s growing in. It’s commonly made as a dry wine with low calories, such as Shiraz and Pinot Noir. Like every other red wine, merlot has its serving temperature between 15-20 degrees Celsius. You can serve it with white and dark meat types like chicken and pork; it pairs well with pasta, pizza, and burgers.

Health Benefits of Red Wine

All of these types of red wines are not just tasty. Moderate wine consumption has many health benefits:

• In comparison with white wines, darker wines are richer in antioxidants that protect your cells;
• It lowers cholesterol levels;
• Keeps the heart healthy by preventing clotting;
• Regulates blood sugar;
• Helps with common cold;
• Reduces the risk of cancers;
• Can help you control your weight;
• Reduces depression;
• Good for the digestive system;
• It keeps your memory sharp.

In Summary

Drinking red wine can be a true blessing. You have so many choices, so many flavours and combinations. Remember to be a responsible drinker; too much of it can cause organ damage, brain damage, and weaken your immune system.

The post Discovering Red Wine and Its Delicious Types appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

Source: healthline.com

The first step is taking grapes free of disease or bird damage. In the winery, the grapes are handled carefully and are kept at cool temperatures and away from air as much as possible. During the fermenting phase, temperature control and soft extraction are used and the skins are pressed off early. As soon as fermentation is complete, the wine is clarified, filtered and bottled. Due to this minimal intervention approach, preservative-free sparkling wines tend to tell a pure story of the grape and vineyard. You will find that this wine is easy to drink, vibrant and packed with fruit flavours.

What Preservatives Are Added to Wine and Why?

Wines generally contain sulphur dioxide(SO2). It’s the main preservative used throughout the stages of making wine and it can sometimes be labelled as “preservative 220 added”. In Australia, there are strict restrictions regarding the number of sulphites used and laws require it to be declared on the wine labelling. This doesn’t apply to wines from many countries outside Australia.

Preservatives have been used in wine since the early 1990s to help preserve the wine and slow down the deterioration process. They are used to help the wine get to your palate in the best condition possible. Using quality grapes in pristine condition means less preservative needs to be added.

Why You Should Be Drinking More Preservative Free Wine?

If you tend to indulge in wine a bit too much, know that the more preservative-free wine you consume, the better you’ll feel the next day. Preservatives are known to contribute significantly to hangovers. For occasions when you’ll be drinking champagne heavily and need to get up in the morning, consider sticking to a preservative free champagne.

Exposure to sulphur dioxide could also be a problem if you’re sensitive to it. For example, if you have asthma, sulphite sensitivity or a sulphite allergy. Symptoms after drinking sparkling wine with sulphite may be a headache or skin irritation.

Source: forbes.com

Are Organic, Biodynamic and Natural Wine all Preservative Free?

Not necessarily. Just because a wine is organic, biodynamic and natural, that doesn’t mean it is preservative-free. The terms organic and biodynamic refer to vineyard practices. It’s possible to find many organic wines which still add sulphur dioxide in the winery, even though it’s typically a minimum amount. To obtain organic certification, a vineyard simply has to adhere to certain vineyard practices.

Here’s a quick definition of some of the key terms:

• Organic wine: this term means the wine is made by the principle of organic farming, which typically involves the exclusion of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and artificial chemical fertilizers in the vineyard.
• Biodynamic wine: this type of farming treats the vineyards as a living system. It’s the best of ever-increasing ecological self-sufficiency and ethical-spiritual considerations. Think soil fertility, healthy plant growth and working with the rhythms of the cosmos.
• Natural wine: a wine made from 100% biodynamic/organic grapes ideally grown by the winemaker, using zero additions of preservatives in the winery.
• Preservative-free wine: no preservatives are added during the winemaking process.

How to Know If A Wine Is Preservative Free?

Every winemaker that has put in all the effort to make a preservative-free wine will clearly mention it on the front or the back label of their products. You’ll also be able to find further information online as well.

Source: purewow.com

How to Choose a Preservative Free Sparkling Wine for Every Occasion

Weekend Brunching

You may have heard that the right food can make any wine good. However, the right wine can also enhance the food’s flavour. For example, bubbles and brunch are a perfect match. For this occasion, a preservative-free prosecco is delicious enough to drink on its own and is a great choice to mix with fruity ingredients.

Weeknight Drinking

Who said popping a bottle of bubbly is reserved only for holidays and celebrations? Sometimes, sipping sparkles on a casual weeknight is exactly what a long day calls for. Purchasing a bottle of Cava will cost you less than a bottle of real Champagne, although is it’s made using the same process.

Celebrations

Showing up with a magnum wine, especially when it’s sparkling, is a great way to demonstrate that you care. Whether prosecco, champagne, or anything in between, arriving with an oversized bottle of bubbles is always a crowd-pleasing move, no matter what the occasion might be!

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Today, 4 out of 5 wineries in Australia produce Shiraz wine, since the demand grows more and more every day, making this wine authentic for the Australian wine culture. Let’s learn a thing or two about this marvellous drink.

The Origin of Shiraz

The famous legend says that the cultivation of the Shiraz grape was first evidenced 2,500 years BC, in the eponymous city of Shiraz, the capital city of Persia (now Iran). By the 9th century, this city has already established a reputation for producing the finest wine in the world. In the 17th century, a French merchant brought the Shiraz wine to France and spread it in Europe as he attended banquets.

However, there is no clear evidence that Shiraz wine comes from Iran. But there is proof that this noble sort of grapes originates from eastern France, producing the famous red wine called Syrah.

The Shiraz wine’s name is an Australian variation from the French Syrah red wine. The red syrah grapes was first time introduced in Australia in 1832 by James Busby, the father of the Australian wine industry who took an example from the European wine production. The Australian landscape came out a perfect match for preserving this noble sort of grapes. The warm days, the cool nights, and the long growing season made it ideal to produce and preserve the Shiraz.

Since then, the Australians managed to keep the Shiraz red wine distinctive for the Australian ground and foster the heritage of being a Shiraz producing country. The Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills are just a part of the Australian grounds where this noble wine is produced today.

What Makes This Type of Wine So Remarkable?

If you’re wondering what wine to open on your next celebration, don’t hesitate to get a nice bottle of Shiraz red wine. This wine will spoil your senses and give you the opportunity to enjoy the rich tastes combined perfectly in a single glass. After all, the Australians kept this noble wine as their cultural heritage throughout the years for a lot of reasons. Here’s just a few of them.

The Colour of Shiraz

The Shiraz sort of grape is produced by crossing Dureza, a dark-skinned berry with Mondeuse Blance, a white-skinned grape, which gives this wine a deep ruby-red to purple hue. The Shiraz wine is often inky and opaque purple-black at a young age. As it gets older, it tends to lose its pigmentation and get a magenta hue.

How Does Shiraz Taste Like?

The Shiraz red wine is made in a dry style. This means that after the grapes are pressed, the sugar from the grape must is converted into alcohol by yeast. But the Shiraz wine has a little touch of residual sugar that is left behind on purpose, to give this wine a hint of richness and sweetness.

When you taste this wine, you can expect a rich and juicy mid-palate. But there’s actually a little difference between the French Syrah and the Australian Shiraz.

Talking about the French Syrah, it’s a wine with brisk acidity and has a huge range of flavours from smoke, bacon, herbs, red and black fruits, white and black pepper, to floral violet notes. If this wine is aged in oak, it additionally gives the wine a vanilla spice.

The Australian Shiraz, on the other hand, is more concentrated than the Syrah and offers rich jammy aromas that range from blueberry and blackberry flavours to black pepper, bacon and beef jerky spices. If you’re looking for a bold, full-bodied wine, then you should definitely go for a glass of Australian Shiraz.

The Level of Alcohol in Shiraz

The alcohol level in the Shiraz wine is usually determined by the weather during which it was harvested, and the ground where the grape is grown. The Australian Shiraz can range from 14.5–15.5% of alcohol, due to the warmer climate in Australia, unlike the Syrah grapes that are grown in the cooler French regions.

The Health Benefits of Shiraz

While enjoying the rich tastes and aromas of the Shiraz wine, you can rest assured that when consumed in moderate amounts, it packs a lot of health benefits.

It’s generally known that dry wines contain less sugar and therefore fewer calories than sweet wines. Typically, a glass of Shiraz contains around 130 calories (120 from alcohol and 10 from carbohydrates). Therefore, it’s scientifically proven that a glass of wine per day doesn’t cause any gain of weight.

Consuming a glass of wine has many other benefits for your health too. The Shiraz grape is also known to contain flavonoids and the powerful resveratrol. The flavonoids in the Shiraz, such as quercetin and anthocyanin are very well known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, and combined together have a great anti-cancer potential.

On the other hand, resveratrol is a very powerful antioxidant that is mostly contained in the skin of the Shiraz grapes, unlike the other sorts of grapes. The resveratrol is known for protecting cardiovascular health, has anti-aging properties, and helps to fight cancer too. The doctors recommend daily consumption of 2mg resveratrol for an average adult, which approximately equals one glass of red wine (1.9 ± 1.7 mg).

How to Consume Shiraz for the Best Taste?

Like any other wine, the Shiraz wine also has an ideal range of temperature for serving. This wine usually contains higher levels of alcohol and is ideally served in the temperature range of 15.5 to 18.5 °C.

In other words, it’s recommended to keep the Shiraz in the fridge for approximately 15 minutes before serving. This will give the wine a slight chill and will prevent a dull flavour. However, make sure you don’t serve this wine too cold because it will only make the flavours muted.

To get the most of the flavours of the Shiraz, combine it with dishes of red meats, such as game, lamb, beef stews and briskets, or beef ragu pasta. Not only the black pepper flavours will bring out the savoury taste of the meet, but red meets often require more robust wine to balance them and provide a rich counterpoint to the dish.

The Shiraz wine is also a great match for smoky-character cheese platers, such as blue cheese or cheddar. The fruity notes of the Shiraz will give the perfect contrast to the rustic, nutty tastes of these platers.

The post Discover the Facts on Shiraz Wine: From Ancient Persia to Australia appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

However, that does not mean that you can start drinking one bottle after another. In fact, moderation is the key to enjoy all the proven health benefits of red wine. Yes, proven health benefits! Many of them are backed by scientific evidence based on a wide range of medical studies. So sit back, grab a glass of a nice red wine and read on about the benefits of the miraculous mixture of red wine.

The health benefits of red wine are derived from a number of different mixtures present within the wine. They include:

• Resveratrol – one of the main anti-oxidants present in grapes, which is well known for its many health benefits;
• Piceatannol – a mixture found in red wine that is similar to resveratrol, which is also found in grapes;
• Quercetin – naturally occurring mixture in grape skin that contributes to the colour of the grape.

So, the next time you grab a glass of red wine and think whether you are putting your health at risk, do not feel the guilt and remember these benefits

.

Prevents Growth of Fat Cells

Although you may not believe it, but drinking red wine in moderate amounts can actually help prevent the growth of fat cells, hence help you manage your weight. That is because a mixture called piceatannol has abilities to prevent the development of immature fat cells.

Prevents Heart Disease

There is another miraculous mixture found in red wine called resveratrol. This mixture has a bunch of benefits and one of the main ones is its ability to reduce bad cholesterol, and thus help prevent heart disease.

Controls Blood Sugar

Red wine can be very beneficial for individuals that suffer from diabetes type 2. If you are not familiar, people who have diabetes type 2 usually experience a fast rise in blood sugar immediately after a meal. The reason for that is that the body does not produce enough insulin to maintain blood sugar at normal levels. Studies have shown that red wine can help control blood sugar by slowing the passage of glucose though the small intestine into the bloodstream.

Prevents Age-Related Memory Loss

This is one of the less known benefits of red wine, and resveratrol is the responsible party again. Aside from providing numerous benefits for your body, it is also beneficial for your mind as it prevents age-related memory loss. According to some studies, resveratrol has positive effects on a part of the brain which is very important for memory.

Red Wine Can Help Prevent Common Cold

Another great benefit of red wine is that it can also help fight common colds. According to studies, drinking a moderate amount of red wine can hep you create immunity against some viruses that cause cold.

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Its vibrant personality, pure fruit flavours, diversity of styles, versatility with food, its ability to show you where it was grown and the ability to age for decades, make Riesling the king of German vineyards. It is one of the most aromatic grape varieties in the world with its primary fruit aromas being apricot, nectarine, honey-crisp apple and pear. But besides just fruit, you will often smell things like honeycomb or a chemical aroma that comes very close to petrol. Believe it or not, it is actually these weird smells and notes that make wine lovers go crazy about Riesling.

Honestly, drinking good wine, with good food, in good company is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Just pour yourself a glass of wine (you might as well take the largest one) and let it do its magic. You will slowly notice your bad mood slipping away while the corners of your mouth turning up in a smiley face.

To make great Riesling even greater, pair it with delicious food and you will surely feel like on 7th Heaven. Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more sophisticated and every day simply better. If you are a wine enthusiast who enjoys indulging in the pleasures that white wine brings, spice up your experience. Due to Riesling’s sweetness and acidity, it pairs perfectly with spicy foods with strong Indian and Asian spices.

When it comes to styles, whether Riesling is very sweet or dry, greatly depends on where the grapes have been grown. Therefore, Rieslings that come from Germany and California are of the sweeter variety, however, some of them can be dry too. All you need to do to find a dry one is look at the wine’s label. On the other hand, Rieslings from the Alsace region of France, Austria, New York and Washington state tend to be dry. If your bottle of Riesling comes from one of these places there is no need to check the label as the majority of Riesling from these regions are dry.

Whether sweet or dry, take your favourite bottle of Riesling and just unwind. It’s been a long day, we get it, in chilly, lazy nights, the great Riesling can be a great friend too.

The post Investigating Riesling Wine appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

But, who are we kidding? Who can wait for the summer to come? I surely can’t! So, why not try this tasty sparkling wine blueberry recipe and enjoy it with your friends right now? Let’s get started!

White Wine & Blueberry-Lemon Popsicles Recipe

Yield: 16 popsicles

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1⁄2 cup lemon syrup
• 2 cups of sparkling white wine, chilled (the type of wine is optional)
• 16 plastic cups (100 ml)
• 16 cake pop sticks

Instructions

• Combine 1 cup blueberries with the rest of ingredients in a blender and blend until blueberries are completely crushed. Add the remaining blueberries and pulse few times just to break the blueberries slightly (do not blend).
• In each plastic cup, pour ¼ cup of the sparkling wine mixture and put cups in the freezer for about 30 minutes. When half frozen, insert a cake pop stick in each cup and return to the freezer. Freeze until popsicles are completely frozen.
• Before serving, let the popsicles sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to easily remove them from the plastic cups (be gentle when doing this).
• You can eat the popsicle as is or for a more stylish effect, serve each popsicle in a stemless red wine glass half-filled with the sparkling wine you used for making the popsicles.

Tip: Always use the sparkling wine of your preference. Sparkling wine Australia experts recommend to choose the bubbly not by the price, but by the taste. At the end, there is no guarantee that the $90 sparkling wine tastes better than the one that costs only $20 or less. But one thing is certain, always buy your wine from a reliable sparkling wine Australia online store. Now that we’ve got that covered, here’s one more bubbly cocktail recipe. A classic with a twist. I guarantee you’ll LOVE it.

Mimosa Ice Pops

Ingredients

• Sparkling wine
• Fruit mixed puree (strawberries, orange, blueberries, mango)
• Sugar (if needed)

Instructions

• Individually blend fruits until finely pureed and set aside.
• Mix all together and add champagne or a sparkling wine of your choice slowly (around 2 cups). Blend really well and taste the mixture while blending, because you surely want to feel the fruit too, not only the champagne.
• Pour into ice pop molds, freeze for 30 minutes, insert the cake pop sticks into the molds and freeze until firm. For better results, it is better to freeze at least 24 hours.

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Barossa Valley is a top-priority destination for visitors from all parts of Australia and wider. If you want to enjoy the taste of the good life, do not hesitate to visit Barossa Valley. Speaking of the taste of the good life, is there a better experience than the unique combination of the exceptional Barossa Valley Shiraz and the tasteful local food from some of the acclaimed restaurants and the great cultural experience. Hardly anywhere you can find more reasons to enjoy life to its fullest.

The world-known Australian Shiraz, great Riesling and the richly flavoured Caberenet are without doubt one of the main reasons why visiting Barossa wine region is a dream come true for every wine enthusiast. Here you will certainly find a treasured bottle of wine to awaken all of your senses, regardless of your personal preferences.

Barossa Valley is a valuable Australian wine region that contributes greately to the overall wine production of the country. In facts, 21% of the wine produced in Australia comes from this 25km long valley. The cool summer climate and the abundance of rain during winter season are the main factors that contribute and enable for some of the most demanding grape varietals to thrive in this region.

When visiting Barossa wine region, exploring the cultural landscapes on The Barossa Heritage Trail is highly recommended. The breathtaking century-old vineyards is what makes a trip to Barossa Valley an experience to remember. Also, here are the genuine white painted churches and grand country mansions, some of the most important marks of the cultural living in this Australian wine region.

People here are so welcoming. The second to none hospitality of the citizens in this region will make you feel like at home. There are countless accommodation options, you will certainly find the best accommodation to suit your personal preferences and budget of course. All in all, there are many reasons for visiting Barossa wine region, it is up to you to decide when you want to dive into the great exploring experience that this region offers.

The post Explore Barossa Valley: The Best “New World” Wine Region On The Globe appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

For example, some cannot handle reds and prefer crispy whites and for some rose wine is nothing more than a coloured sugared water, yet it is the first choice of many. In fact, Rose has been underestimated and pushed aside for so long and it hasn’t been until recently that wine experts began rewarding Rose wine with much deserved acknowledgment.

There are so many great rose wines; all very summery, refreshing and best when enjoyed outside with a great company. Rose comes in many colours, from pale and subtle pink to a vibrant pink colour. Generally speaking, Rosé wine suits any occasion and since it is light and refreshing, it goes perfectly well with finger food, salads, barbeque, mushrooms, seafood, cheese, chicken and other food.

How Is Rose Made & How It Tastes

Great rose wines are made the same way as the white wine; red grapes are treated the same way as in white wine production meaning, the juice from the grapes is separated early in the process. Hence, the only difference between reds and rose wine is in the time. When making red wine, the juice sits together with the skins of the grapes longer in order to achieve the deep red colour, as well as to ensure rich tannins. This period is called the ‘maceration time’ and it’s what makes the red wine production so different.

The great rose wines are made from a red grape varietals like, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Zinfandel. They can be used in a blend or solo. The flavour and taste of the great rose wines are a softer version of the red wine varietal counterparts. While drinking a delicious rose wine, you can sense and feel a hint of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon and even citrus. If you are more into sparkling wines, choose a sparkling rose which is made by blending red and white grapes. It tastes heavenly!

Rose wines are served chilled and make a great refreshment for the hot summer days. It is also the perfect wine for picnic since it’s lighter and more delicate. It goes great with chicken, ham,beef, seafood and even with different types of chips and dips.

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What Type of Wine Is Riesling?

It is a highly fruity and aromatic grape variety. It is respected and admired for its pure fruit flavour, diversity of styles and its ability to age for decades.

What Makes Riesling Wine so Crisp and Juicy?

The combination of ripe fruit and acidity is what makes this wine crisp and juicy. Naturally, Riesling has a higher level of acidity than any other wine and this is what greatly contributes to its crispiness. If the wine lacks acidity that means that the grapes have been picked too late.

The Ideal Temperature for Serving Riesling?

It is true that Riesling wine should be cold, but it does not mean ice cold. If it is too cold, the flavours and aromas will not come out right. The ideal temperature for serving sweet Riesling wine is 8-10°C which can be achieved if you leave your wine for 20 minutes in the fridge. On the other hand, dry or well-aged Rieslings usually taste better when served a few degrees warmer.

Where Is Riesling Grown?

The home of Riesling is Germany which is still the greatest producer of this grape variety, with 54, 000 acres spread across 13 wine regions. Australia is the second largest source of Riesling in the world with 10, 000 acres, and the third place takes Washington state with 5, 300 acres.

What Type of Foods Can You Pair With Riesling wine?

The great diversity of sweetness levels and regional styles mean that Riesling can match any flavour profile of almost every dish.

Why Does Rieslings from Different States Taste Different?

This is because of local factors, such as regional climate, the different soil, the micro-climate of the vineyard, the different farming methods and the individual wine-making techniques. All these have a great role in how the wine tastes.

How Long Can a Riesling Age?

As a result of its acid structure, Riesling wine can age longer than other wines. Even after a century, classic German Rieslings can have an amazing taste. Generally, Riesling reaches its peak of maturity within 15 to 20 years. However, keep in mind that a matured Riesling wine does not taste at all like a young one. As they age, these wines lose that primary fruit note they have in their youth. With age, they gain greater depth and complexity.

The post Riesling Wine FAQ: Learn More About the Noble Grape Variety appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes provide the structure to the wine, as they bring the tannins and the acids. They also give the variety its flavours of bell peppers and black currant. Merlot on the other hand, is a soft and fleshy variety. It’s juicier and fatter, and that can easily be seen on the grapes themselves; the Merlot grape berries are plumper and have thinner skins, thus a lower skin to juice ratio. The Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot varieties have good affinity for oak, and are mainly barrel-aged. When aged with American oak, the wine gets notes of cedar, smoke and spice, and when French oak is used for the aging, the additional notes of vanilla and coconut can be sensed.

The Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot wines are mostly produced in France, since the Bordeaux region gives some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Also Italy, USA, Australia, Chile and Argentina praise themselves on the good blends they produce. In California, the blend is known as Meritage. Australia has several regions that produce the Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot variety among which Coonawaraa, Yarra Valley and Margaret River are the most popular ones.

Generally, the proportions of each variety used in the blend varies, as every producer in every region has its own style in making the blend. For that reason, you can find the Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot wines as austere and fruity, short or long- lived, and in all price ranges, varying from very cheap table wines to some of the most expensive varieties you’ll ever taste. Mainly labeled as heavy wines, both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are typically paired with food that is rich in fats, like barbecued red meat for example. This variety can also be paired with roast beef, shitake mushrooms and even some fish dishes.

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