Written by: Steve Cusack
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The first rule is that there are no rules - try to be as open-minded as you can. Secondly, drink the style of wine that you like. There are naturally going to be types of food and wine that you don’t like, so avoid them! Thirdly, try to match the general weight and power of the flavours in the food with the wine. Don’t necessarily stick to the old adage of white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat – try pairing lighter wines with lighter foods and more full-bodied wines with heavier foods. Try a few different matches and see what works for you.
Specific characters in the food can be considered too – try to match similar flavours. A white wine with citrus notes works well with fish dishes that have lemon or other citrus tastes. Full-bodied reds match well with earthy robust flavours such as roast meats and mushrooms.
The most important thing to remember though is to have fun – food and wine are two of life’s great pleasures. Here’s a few great wines to enjoy, whether on their own, or with food!
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - Chile
Widely available £6.99
An outstandingly crisp and refreshing white from Chile’s largest, and arguably best, wine producer. This Sauvignon Blanc is elegant and well rounded on the palate, balanced by crisp lemon and gooseberry flavours and refreshing acidity. An ideal aperitif!
Casillero del Diablo Sparkling Brut Reserva 2007 – Chile
Waitrose £9.99
What better way to celebrate a special occasion than with a bottle of fizz? Light, refreshing and with a lovely crisp finish, the wine is made from 100 per cent Chardonnay from vineyards in the Limari Valley in the far north of Chile. Made in the same way as traditional French Champagne, winemaker Marcelo Papa ages a small proportion of the wine in oak barrels to add complexity, richness and a toasty nutty finish. Delicious!
Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 – Chile
Widely available £6.99
One of the classic red varieties from Chile – this Cabernet is rich, textured and silky smooth. Bursting with vibrant blackcurrant, cherry and cassis characters, this is just perfect with rib of beef. Delightful!
Bellow’s Rock Pinotage 2008 - South Africa
Costco £23.99 for 6 (£3.99 each)
A great example of South Africa’s native grape variety, displaying ripe cherry fruit flavours, a touch of nutmeg spice and soft tannins. Ideal with game and warming winter stews.
Bellow’s Rock Shiraz Viognier 2008 - South Africa
Costco £23.99 for 6 (£3.99 each)
The 2008 Shiraz is co-fermented with 3 per cent Viognier with 40% of the wine is aged in French and American oak for a period of 6 months. Soft, approachable and easy drinking with classic Shiraz characters of spice and white pepper, the wine is lifted by an aromatic dollop of Viognier in true Cote-Rotie style.
Tavernello Sangiovese – Italy
Tesco £3.99
The Italians have long since embraced alternative packaging, with Tavernello ranked Italy’s No.1 selling wine brand. The Tavernello Tetra-Paks tick all the right boxes – they are convenient, accessible, easy to transport and eco-friendly to boot. This classic Italian red grape variety is bursting with rich, ripe berry fruit characters and just a hint of spice. Soft, supple and easy drinking, Tavernello Sangiovese is the perfect wine for those long summer lunches or for when friends drop by.
Tavernello Trebbiano Pinot Bianco – Italy
Tesco £3.99
A delicious blend of two white grape varieties that are synonymous with Italy – the fresh and fruity Trebbiano and the crisp and refreshing Pinot Bianco. A crisp, zesty, fresh wine with distinct flavours of melon and green apple, it is fantastic with fish and seafood!
McGuigan Estate Sparkling Brut – Australia
Sainsbury’s £11.99
A new release sparkling wine from the recently crowned International Wine & Spirit Competition ‘International Winemaker of the Year’, this Chardonnay based fizz is brimming with elegant tropical fruit and citrus flavours. The fine bead delivers a fresh finish with delicious biscuit and toasty undertones.
McGuigan Classic Grey Label Merlot 2008 – Australia
Majestic £6.99
Four generations of the McGuigan family have made wine their life. The fruit of their labour is evident in this new wave Aussie Merlot. With lifted aromas of dark berries, cherries and vanilla, the palate displays ripe plum characters and lashings of spice. Soft tannins lead to a smooth and full finish giving this easy drinking Merlot a warming, quaffable quality.
McGuigan Classic Grey Label Chardonnay 2009 – Australia
Majestic, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op £6.99
2009 has been a breakthrough year for iconic Australian winery McGuigan Wines, winning a number of Trophies and Gold Best in Class awards at major UK wine shows, including White Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge in September. It’s not hard to see why with this lively Chardonnay, which is soft and full on the palate, generous tropical fruit flavours are joined with spicy oak notes. This would be well suited with rich seafood or classic poultry dishes.
Nepenthe Charleston Pinot Noir 2007 – Australia
Majestic £9.99
The Adelaide Hills are recognised as one of the premium wine regions in Australia, with the cool climate ideally suited to producing delicate wines packed full of flavour. The nose of this Pinot Noir is dominated by fresh raspberry and cherry characters, with hints of savoury, earthy complexity. These all follow through to the palate which is soft and supple. Quietly powerful with a long, savoury and mouth-watering finish, this is a real treat!
Spier Private Collection Shiraz 2006 – South Africa
www.sawinesonline.co.uk £15.99
The Spier estate in South Africa is renowned for producing innovative wines that showcase the diversity of the region, and is firmly committed to sustainability and biodiversity initiatives - building the principles and practices of sustainable development into its everyday business operations. A great example of a premium Cape red, this Shiraz is rich in colour, showing intense mulberry and caramel aromas. These are joined on a full-bodied, well-balanced palate by black pepper and vanilla spice, where well integrated wood produces a lingering aftertaste.
