Daylight saving has ended, and the evenings are getting cooler. In wine time, that means it’s time to swap the crisp whites for some medium-bodied reds. Need inspiration? Here are some top reds to try this autumn from the experts at Cellarmasters.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir has become increasingly popular in the last few years, and the wine is often described as the white wine drinker’s red wine. With low tannins, high acidity and lovely berry flavours, Pinot is certainly a quaffable wine! The variety ranges from light to medium bodied, so for autumn, go for a medium bodied Tassie Pinot Noir with a savoury, forest floor finish.
Wine to try: Riversdale Estate Centaurus Reserve Tasmania Pinot Noir 2013
Grenache
Grenache is a medium-bodied wine, with juicy blackberry, peppery spice and liquorice flavours. It has a similar richness to Shiraz, but has more refined tannins, so it’s softer than the big, bold Shirazes of the Barossa Valley – in other words, a wine that is perfect for autumn sipping!
Wine to try: Blood Brother Republic Bbr Blewitt Mv Grenache 2015
Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s most famous red wine, and it certainly deserves the spotlight.
This medium-bodied red wine is full of ripe, concentrated red fruit characters, with earthy and meaty flavours. It’s a deliciously food-friendly wine, and pairs perfectly with autumn dishes like roasted red meat.
Wine to try: Archway Fleurieu Peninsula Nero D’avola 2015
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a Spanish black grape known primarily for its use in Rioja wines. Tempranillo will have notes of plum and cherry but it is mostly known for its savoury characteristics. It’s a versatile wine that pairs with many food types, including meaty, tomato-based dishes such as ragout, lasagne or any charred meat that comes off the barbecue.
Wine to try: Espeto Tempranillo 2016
Merlot
A Merlot from a warm climate such as the Barossa is more fruit-forward with less tannins than a cool climate Merlot (with the latter sometimes even being mistaken for a Cabernet Sauvignon!). Warm climate Merlots tend to be smooth and mouth filling with fresh berry fruit and mocha flavours, with soft, silky tannins on the finish.
Wine to try: Dorrien Estate Bin 2 Merlot 2016
