How to Choose a Wine for Dinner (Simple Pairing Rules That Work)

Choosing wine for dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with one simple principle: match intensity. Light dishes like grilled fish or salads pair best with lighter wines — think Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. Rich dishes like steak, lamb, or slow-cooked beef need fuller-bodied wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. Second rule: matchContinueContinue reading “How to Choose a Wine for Dinner (Simple Pairing Rules That Work)”

Why does Chardonnay taste buttery ?(and not all of them do)

The “buttery Chardonnay” taste results from malolactic fermentation (MLF), where sharp malic acid is converted into smoother lactic acid, creating creamy textures. Not all Chardonnays are buttery; cool-climate and modern styles often skip MLF and oak aging, resulting in crisp, fresh flavors. Understanding winemaking choices helps consumers select their preferred style.

The Australian World Wine Capital

Adelaide can’t help being a world beacon for wine. It has wine regions that lay on its doorstep in every direction but the ocean. It is fitting that the one side that is not teeming with world class vineyards, is the waters of the aptly named Gulf of St Vincent, known as a Patron SaintContinueContinue reading “The Australian World Wine Capital”

“Expensive Wine Is For Suckers”….really?

It is the question discussed over many a bottle of wine at a dinner party…usually when an unsuspecting wine lover is at the table opening a favourite (maybe expensive) drop: is expensive wine and the whole “wine thing” all smoke and mirrors? Watch what these guys think: http://www.vox.com/2015/5/20/8625785/expensive-wine-taste-cheap Watch it? Yep? Now let’s put a few thingsContinueContinue reading ““Expensive Wine Is For Suckers”….really?”

Napa Valley, where to go…

Just last month I had the opportunity to spend time in Northern California, which of course included time in the Napa Valley. As a visitor, this wine region can be daunting. They have over 100 tasting rooms packed into the 60km of the valley itself. Navigation is easy: You will either be on the SilveradoContinueContinue reading “Napa Valley, where to go…”

My Hunter Valley Top 12

Over a glass of wine last night my wife and I started discussing which dozen wines we would put together to showcase the best of the Hunter Valley to somebody who has never tried anything from the area before. Never and easy task and it is limited to wines we are quite familiar with andContinueContinue reading “My Hunter Valley Top 12”