Red Wine
Is it your turn the host the next dinner party? You honestly can’t go wrong with a bottle of Spar red wine. From Merlot and Malbec to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, we have many different types of red wine from various regions. But do you want to know the best bit? All our wines are vegan and we’re one of the only stores to have our very own master Sommelier who expertly handpicks each and every bottle. So you just know your glass will be absolutely brimming with its own set of characteristics and unique flavours.
South African red wines offer a real complexity and depth of flavour. Bottles of Shiraz and Malbec work in harmony with aged cheeses such as stilton, cutting through its rich and intense flavours. Australian red wines are well-known for flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, and sometimes hints of mint or eucalyptus. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wine grape varieties to come from the region. Moving north of equator, a bottle of Spanish red wine pairs perfectly with flavourful dishes like paella, while a glass of Italian red wine can be served with many pasta dishes or your favourite stone baked pizza.
If you’re new to the world of red wine, the only place to start is with the best red wine for beginners. We recommend going simple with something that’s easy to drink and not too complex. Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of red wine we consider beginner-friendly:
Pinot Noir
This light-bodied red wine is very easy to drink. It has fruity notes, a milder taste and it’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled salmon and grilled vegetables.
Merlot
This medium-bodied red wine is popular with beginners because its smooth and velvety texture has a pleasant taste, without being overwhelmingly strong. If you’re enjoying a roast dinner, then it’s fair to say a bottle of Merlot should be on the table too.
Cabernet Sauvignon
This full-bodied red wine is a little bolder with hints of blackberry and oak. It’s a good choice if you’re after a robust glass of red to wash down grilled meats.
Shiraz
This is another full-bodied red with flavours of sweet red fruit and spices. Shiraz pairs well with rich dishes like charred vegetables and strong cheese.
Everyone’s taste in wine is different. Why not sample the different dry red wine types out there to really find your favourite? But please remember to always drink responsibly.
And to make things that little bit easier for you, we’ve highlighted which of our Spar red wine offers are available before heading to your local store. If you’re still a little unsure about which bottle to go for, take a look at our Master of Wine’s monthly pick of the bunch to help you find your perfect match.