As the temperatures drop and the nights get longer, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting glass of wine to help take the edge off the cold. Australia is home to some of the world’s best wines, with a wide range of varieties and styles to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best wines to enjoy during the winter months in Australia.
Shiraz
Shiraz is one of Australia’s most popular wine varieties, and for a good reason. It’s a full-bodied red wine that’s perfect for sipping on a chilly evening. Shiraz is typically dark and bold, with flavours of blackberry, pepper, and spice. It’s a great wine to pair with hearty winter dishes like roast lamb or beef stew. Some of the best Shiraz in Australia comes from the Barossa Valley in South Australia (such as the famous Pepperjack Shiraz), but you’ll find excellent examples of this wine all over the country.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Another popular red wine variety in Australia is Cabernet Sauvignon (‘Cab Sav’ for short). This wine is typically rich and full-bodied, with flavours of blackcurrant, tobacco, and vanilla. It’s a wine that pairs well with many winter dishes, including roast beef and hearty stews. Some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia comes from Margaret River in Western Australia (including Forester Estate Cab Sav), but as the Shiraz, there are some fantastic examples over Australia.
Chardonnay
If you prefer white wine, Chardonnay is an excellent option for winter drinking. Oaked varieties are typically medium to full-bodied and buttery, with flavours of apple, pear, and vanilla. Chardonnay pairs well with winter comfort foods like roasted chicken and creamy pasta dishes. If you are looking for some of the best Chardonnay in Australia, you should check out the selection from the Yarra Valley in Victoria, which includes Yarra View’s award-winning Chardonnay.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a lighter-bodied red wine that’s perfect for those who prefer a more delicate wine. It’s typically smooth and silky, with flavours of cherry, raspberry, and spice. Pinot Noir pairs well with lighter winter dishes like roast pork or grilled fish. Some of the best Pinot Noir in Australia, such as the Paringa Estate Pinot, come from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
Grenache
Grenache is a red wine variety that’s less well-known than some of the others on this list, but it’s definitely worth trying. It’s typically medium-bodied, with flavours of red fruit, spice, and earthiness. Grenache pairs well with winter dishes like grilled sausages or roasted vegetables.
Verdelho
If you’re looking for a white wine that’s a little different from Chardonnay, Verdelho is a great option. This wine is typically light and refreshing, with tropical fruit and citrus flavours. It’s a great wine to pair with winter salads or seafood dishes.
Make Sure You Store Your Wine
Wine fridges, such as DIVIN wine fridges, are beneficial in winter months for several reasons:
- Firstly, they provide a consistent and controlled temperature that is ideal for storing wine, even in cold weather conditions. This is important because drastic fluctuations in temperature can damage the quality of wine and alter its taste.
- Secondly, wine fridges can help prevent the wine from freezing, which can cause the bottle to crack and spoil the contents.
- Finally, wine fridges can also provide a stylish and convenient way to display your wine collection during winter gatherings and events.
In conclusion, Australia is home to some of the world’s best wines, and there’s no shortage of great options to choose from during the winter months. Whether you prefer a full-bodied red wine like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, a lighter-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Grenache, or a white wine like Chardonnay or Verdelho, you’re sure to find a wine that will help you stay warm indoors.