The Barons guide to winter reds, get your glasses red-y! Subheading
Winter is well and truly tiptoeing its way into Western Australia, so it’s time to rug up with a glass of red that truly embodies the spirit of the colder season. With abundant vineyards right here in our own backyard, WA is known for its pristine wine regions and iconic wineries, which have fast become tourist hotspots.
With wineries in the South West, Swan District, Perth Hills, Peel, Geographe, Blackwood Valley, Manjimup, Pemberton and Great Southern regions gaining global reputations for their winemaking, it’s fair to say WA is known for producing some of the finest drops of red with the best local flavours.
Need a helping hand with what wine to bring to your next gathering with friends, or winter soirée? From the bold complexity of a Cabernet Sauvignon to the delicate flavours of a Pinot Noir, we took inspo from our own shelves to uncover the many revelations of red wine!
Distinguishing flavours between the different drops
Although red grapes sit on the sweeter side, not all red varieties are created equal. Reds can range from sweet to savoury, with some so dry they’ll make your mouth pucker up! Red wine is made from fermented grape juice, with yeast added during fermentation to convert sugars into alcohol. Whether it’s purposeful or natural, the sweetness scale can be tipped during the harvest, fermentation, by adding sugar, and so much more.
Deliciously dry drops: Cabernet Sauvignon & Pinot Noir
Cab Sauv – Dry, Full-bodied
When it comes to reds, Cabernet Sauvignon is a palate powerhouse of intense blackcurrant and cassis flavors. Reminiscent of dark fruits and spices, Cabernet Sauvignon is often big on body and earthy flavours.
Our pick: Robert Oatley Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml
Robert Oatley Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich red that ticks all the boxes, with its structure and firm tannins front and center. With a medium body and dry finish, this drop doesn’t disappoint when paired with winter dishes, like succulent braised meats and aged cheeses.
Pinot Noir – Dry, Light-bodied
Pinot Noir is a delicate drop and will tempt the taste buds with a symphony of red berries, cherries, and a hint of earthiness. With a lighter body and soft, silky texture, Pinot Noir likes to dance across the palate and leave only a subtle trail of flavour behind.
Our pick: Singlefile Run Free Pinot Noir 750ml
Singlefile’s Run Free Pinot Noir is no different, with a violet aroma, a hint of spice and subtle cherry texture. This elegant drop is light and easy to drink, pairing well with mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or Sunday roast.
Somewhere in the middle: Shiraz and Merlot
Shiraz – Dry, Full-bodied
Originally from France, the Shiraz grape has found its groove in Australian vineyards and produces a whirlwind of juicy blackberry and plum flavours, with a hint of spice. With a full body, velvety texture and smooth finish, Shiraz knows how to charm its way into your glass.
Our pick: Leeuwin Siblings Shiraz 750ml
Our pick: Leeuwin Siblings Shiraz is no exception, with dark fruits, coffee beans, spice, hints of dark chocolate and oak flavours. It pairs perfectly with roasted or barbecued meats and pours much the same, with a night by the fireplace being an ideal backdrop to enjoy this jam-packed drop!
Merlot – Lighter, Medium-bodied
This smooth operator is a more approachable red wine variety, sitting right in the middle of the red wine spectrum. Merlot typically has a velvety texture with an eruption of dark fruit flavours like ripe cherry, plum and blueberry. Layered with vanilla, clove and herbal undertones, this fragrant wine is one of the more easy to drink drops.
Our pick: Grant Burge Hillcot Merlot 750ml
With ripe tannins and a medium body, Grant Burge Hillcot Merlot knows how to work its magic. Expect a soft palate, with dominating aromas of blackberry, cherry, mint, dark chocolate, mocha and sage. The rich, red berry flavours and oak balance out the sweetness, with beef, venison, roast veggies and cheeses making a perfect match.
On the sweeter side: Red Blends
Red Blends – Sweeter, Lighter-bodied
Blends may not always step into the spotlight straight off the bat, but when they do, they can be the star of the show! Often on the sweeter side, Red Blends are made from more than one grape variety, with classic blends including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, or Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Blending allows different grape varieties to complement each other and can create a delicious resulting drop. Red blends can be made with grapes from a single region or producer, or from different regions for more complexity.
Our Pick: Deep Woods Estate Ebony Cabernet Shiraz 750ml
Deep Woods Estate Ebony Cabernet Shiraz combines two classic Australian red grapes from Margaret River and is rich in fruit flavour, with a soft texture. It’s a party on the palate and blackberries, cassis, prunes and ripe Damson plums are all invited! With an inkling of oak and warm mocha spice, this medium-bodied red does wonders with steak, lamb and pasta.
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If you’ve made it this far, pour yourself a glass (or two) and take your tastebuds for a test drive through the world of winter reds. With each variety brimming with contrasting characteristics, flavours and textures, there’s something for every red wine aficionado here at Liquor Barons.
With a focus on quality and taste, our ranges are tailored and carefully curated to bring our favourite local producers to your lips. Get down to your local Liquor Barons store today and indulge the senses with a sweeter red variety or a deliciously dry drop!