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Wine O’Clock

What’s your wine style?

Do you buy the same wine, week in, week out? It’s so easy to fall into that trap, we know, we do it too. But we also know that there are so many wonderful discoveries out there that you will love just as much as the old favourite.  So pick a different country, choose a new grape and get exploring. Here are a few helpful tips so you know what to look for on your next wine shop!

It all depends on your pateaandcoffee1late and how sensitive it is, how tolerant you are of strong flavours and bitterness. The best way to determine this is to base it on your hot drink habits.

If you like your coffees/teas strong and bitter without milk or sugar, then the chances are that you have a tolerant palate and enjoy a wide range of flavours and tastes. In this case, full flavoured and full-bodied wines may be for you. If you’re a white wine drinker, you may enjoy ripe oaky Chardonnay, spicy Viognier or an aged white Bordeaux.

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Jordan Barrel Reserve Chardonnay, Smoking Loon Viognier, Chateau Chantegrive `Cuvee Caroline` Graves Blanc

 

For reds – varieties such as Cabernet and Shiraz from hot countries such as Chile, Australia or South Africa.

Simonsig Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, Aves del Sur Cabernet Sauvignon

Simonsig Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz,
Aves del Sur Cabernet Sauvignon

If you take a bit of milk in your teas and coffees, then you are maybe slightly less tolerant of strong flavours and bitterness. In this case, slightly fruitier whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo or Albarino might be wines you’ll enjoy.

Menade Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Gorgorito Verdejo, Palacio de Fefinanes Albarino

Menade Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Gorgorito Verdejo, Palacio de Fefinanes Albarino

For reds, you could try medium bodied slightly softer styles, such as Rioja, Southern Rhone reds or Cabernet Franc.

Navajas Rioja Crianza Tinto, Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone, Chamonix Cabernet Franc

Navajas Rioja Crianza Tinto,
Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone,
Chamonix Cabernet Franc

If you add both sugar and milk, you may have quite a sensitive palate and are likely to enjoy lighter wines with low tannins and maybe some sweetness. For whites, try Pinot Grigio, Muscadet or Chenin Blanc.

Terrazze della Luna Pino Grigio, Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur lie, Simonsig Chenin Blanc

Terrazze della Luna Pino Grigio, Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur lie, Simonsig Chenin Blanc

If red is your colour – try a hot climate Pinot Noir, soft plummy Californian Merlot or a Spanish Garnacha.

Kidia Pinot Noir Reserva, Wildwood Merlot, Castillo Monseran Garnacha

Kidia Pinot Noir Reserva, Wildwood Merlot, Castillo Monseran Garnacha

So get out there and get tasting! Make a date with friends and each bring a bottle of wine that you’ve never tried before (not necessarily on the same night!). Find your nearest tasting events, ask questions, take photos of wine labels you’ve enjoyed and find your ‘wine guru’ (best friend) – someone who knows wine and gets to know your taste. We are always happy to recommend wines based on your preferences and we also hold regular tasting events. You can sign up for our newsletter, so you never miss out!

Wine in the city,

Good luck finding your new favourite!