Red wine + a party = a good time! If you’re planning a dinner party or have been asked to bring a bottle of red wine to a get-together, and you’re not sure which one to buy, we have the perfect solve. This simple and easy guide will help you choose the red wine that’s perfect for any party! Serving the right type of wine is more than just grabbing any random wine bottle, it’s about knowing which wine complements meals and which your guests or hosts will love – it makes them feel special. There are of course, many different types of red wines to choose from. How do you decide? From Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec to Merlot and Pinot Noir, we’ve listed the top 5 favourites everyone is guaranteed to love. So, stress less and enjoy the party with a glass of red wine in your hand.
Pinot Noir
We’re starting off strong with one of the most desirable red wines – Pinot Noir. It’s a classic, light-bodied red wine that is loved and savoured for its fruity and earthy flavours. It’s also known for having complex and delicate flavour profiles that include cherry, raspberry, and blackberry. Pinot Noir also has an earthy quality that some would describe as mushroom-like. Pinot Noir is the type of wine that isn’t meant to be aged for a long. It’s ideal to consume within a few years of their vintage date to get the most taste and flavour out of it. If you decide to purchase Pinot Noir, it’s best served slightly below room temperature – this helps bring out the delicate flavours and aromas of the wine. Grilled salmon, roast chicken, light pastas, and mushroom dishes are just some of the foods that pair well with a glass of Pinot Noir. Whether you’re cooking for your dinner party or just attending one, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of this incredible-tasting wine. Some popular brands of Pinot Noir you can try are:
• Fryers Cove Bamboes Bay
• Lismore • Bosman Upper H&A
• Fat Bastard Pinotage
• A Bichot Vosnee Dom du Clos
Merlot
Coming up second is an all-time favourite – Merlot. Many people love a good glass of Merlot because of its incredibly soft and velvety texture. Its smoothness makes sipping on this wine as delightful as resting alongside the pool in the sun. Merlot is known for its soft, fruity flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry, with subtle tasting notes of chocolate, vanilla, and tobacco. Like its counterpart, Pinot Noir, Merlot is not an aging kind of wine. It’s meant to be enjoyed and savoured within the first few years of its vintage date to really immerse your palate. Most Merlot brands of wine range from affordable to very expensive, depending on the region and producer. When serving a glass of Merlot, it’s best to serve slightly cooler – an ideal temperature of between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. Anything lower than that and you won’t be able to taste those fruity flavours. The most important part of the party is the food. What better way to enhance those flavours than with a glass of Merlot? This wine pairs well with a variety of foods, such as roasted or grilled meats, pasta dishes, pizza, and delicious cheeses. Popular brands of Merlot include:
• Meerlust Red
• Bon Courage Mulberry Bush Merlot
• Delheim Merlot
• Vinologists Franshoek Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Even if you don’t know too much about wine, chances are you’ve heard about Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s deemed the world’s most popular red wine as you can find it being produced at every and any wine estate. This type of red wine is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, known for its complex flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, and blackberry. There also subtle tasting notes of green pepper, vanilla and tobacco. Cabernet Sauvignon is the type of wine that ages better with time. Some of the very best Cabernet Sauvignon wines are aged for 10 years and longer. This just helps mature and develop those flavour profiles. When it comes to food pairings, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with bold, flavourful dishes such as red meats, stews, and strong cheeses. Be sure not to serve it at room temperature, and rather between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius to bring out those aromatic flavours. These are some popular Cabernet Sauvignon brands to try:
• Rupert & Rothschild Classique
• Nederberg Classic Cabernet
• Bosman Generation 8 Cabernet
Zinfandel
Spicy meets smoky – Zinfandel is a must-try red wine for any dinner party. It is a full-bodied wine with a high alcohol content that will keep the vibes going around the table. Known for its rich, jammy flavour profile, it has tasting notes of blackberry, raspberry, and spice. It can also have a smoky or chocolate undertone. Zinfandel pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, particularly those that are spicy or savoury. It’s a great match for grilled meats, stews, and hearty pasta dishes. It’s important to remember that most red wines are excellent partners for steaks, venison, game, and other bold red meat dishes. Popular brands of Zinfandel you can find are:
• Saini Vineyards Zinfandel
• One Lead Zinfandel
• Seghesio Zinfandel
Syrah/Shiraz
Finally, we have Syrah (also known as Shiraz). This is a red grape variety that is grown in many wine regions around the world. It is known for producing full-bodied, complex wines that are often high in tannins and can be aged for many years. This type of red wine has a bold, spicy flavour with tasting notes of blackberry, black pepper and smoke. Ranging from medium-bodied and fruit-forward to full-bodied and tannic, Syrah/Shiraz can be made in a variety of styles. Like the other red wines mentioned above, Syrah pairs beautifully with hearty and flavourful dishes. From grilled red meats and stews to spicy foods and cheese, you can expect to enjoy your meal with this bold wine. Some popular brands of Syrah you can discover are:
• Villa Cape
• Reyneke Organic
• La Bri
• Delheim
Entering the wine world can be a little complicated, but once you know the differences in flavour profiles and tasting notes, you’ll know which wines are which soon enough. Your next dinner party will be the talk of the town. Here at Norman Goodfellows, we encourage trying new wines responsibly and sharing your love and knowledge with others. So let’s get to tasting – click here to explore our world-class wine list.