Which red wine is best?
The time has come; you’ve got visitors for dinner or have to pick a red wine gift. You have an idea of what you need, but you’re stumped about which red wine is best. Picking a recognisable brand like Bonnievale Wines is one way to do it, but you’ve got a head start if you select by grape cultivar too.
The first thing to know is there are many grape varieties used for making wine. An overwhelming amount, in fact. Fortunately, the ones that are most common are also those known for producing outstanding red wines.
A handy guide to red wine grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon
Wines from this variety are often described with flavours and aromas reminiscent of, for example, raspberries, black currants, liquorice, black cherries, vanilla, black pepper and ripe plum. It grows exceptionally well on Bonnievale wine farms.
It’s awesome because it’s the go-to variety to impress your new boss or outclass any competition. Bold and serious, it’s regarded as the statement grape, whatever the occasion.
Get me the goodness now: You don’t have to drive to the Bonnievale wine cellar to try the Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.
Merlot
Whiffs of Merlot red wine are said to often remind the sampler of characters like vanilla, cranberries, herbs, cigar box or cedar wood and mint.
It’s perfect because Merlot says you enjoy comfort and luxury and don’t care what anyone says about it.
Make my decision for me: Try the Bonnievale The River Collection Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2020.
Pinotage
Red wines made with Pinotage are regularly described with associations to ripe plums, cherries, dark berries, coffee and chocolate.
It’s brilliant because Pinotage makes really good wine while also being a truly South African red wine. We’ll spare you the history lesson, but if you drink this it’s saying you’re informed and have an inside track to the good life.
Get me some right away: Order the Bonnievale The River Collection Pinotage 2021
Shiraz
The language in capturing the sense of these red wines is all dark berries, violets, white pepper, spice and mocha when it comes to descriptions of these wines. Not all at once, of course.
The variety is a trusty favourite because it’s like holding an ace in your hand, and you do love the spotlight when it’s time for the big reveal.
Point me in a direction: Get the Bonnievale The River Collection Shiraz 2020, the Sweet Shiraz, and the Bonnievale Neat de-alcoholised Shiraz 2020.
Cinsault
Wines from this grape commonly show notes of floral blossoms, dried fruit, white peach, strawberries, and cherries.
It’s first-rate because these red wines will reveal your flamboyance, but also that you’re an independent thinker in touch with the cutting edge of things.
Just send it to me already: Bonnievale The Vale Cinsault Brut Rosé can get right to your door.
Now, try them all. Just sign up with the club, the Bonnievale BestBox wine club.
