Red wines can benefit from being warmed up slightly above room temperature.  (My old trick – in case you missed it, immerse the unopened bottle of red in a basin of medium/hot water for a few minutes. Dry off, open, enjoy). Warming releases the aromas and softens the wine.

Okay – on with the hunt for a bargain red wine. I got lucky with a couple of reds plucked from the supermarket shelves this week.  This can backfire but if you’re gambling less than ten bucks then it’s not a disaster.  From experience, any bargain wines in the seven dollar range are usually disappointing.  There seems to be a threshold at $9.99 where they become drinkable.

First up:
Pete’s Shed Central Otago Matai Block Pinot Noir 2008 $12.99
This is a label purpose-made for Progressive Enterprises supermarkets (Countdown, Fresh Choice, Woolworths etc.). The 2009 version was given less than favourable reviews for being under ripe, but this one’s a ripper.  Silky soft tannins and ripe dark berry flavours give way to spicy savoury notes and a lasting finish.

Oomoo McLaren Vale (Grenache/Shiraz /Mourvedre blend) $11.99
South Australia’s Mclaren Vale is a producer of some pretty grunty reds like Cabernet and Shiraz, but this is a softer take on the Great Aussie red.  The Grenache/Shiraz /Mourvedre blend is a mix you see in Aus – often called GSM for short.  This one opens up with lovely black pepper, plum pudding and a liquorice aromas.  On the palate – chocolate, plums, black cherry and fig, with medium tannins.  A great match with a hearty beef casserole or venison.

By Phil Parker - wine writer
www.finewinetours.co.nz

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.

Please login or register.