Treating yourself to a truly great wine is the perfect way to celebrate the end of 2020. And what better wine than a top-quality Australian red blend that’s perfect with a festive feast or simply enjoyed on its own.
“I find that Australian red blends – especially Cabernet blends and Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre – always seem to strike that perfect balance in pleasing a wide array of palates and not needing a whole lot of extra attention in the way of fancy stemware and decanters,” says Amanda McCrossin, a sommelier and wine educator based in California’s Napa Valley.
“But the real genius of a blend is that they will ebb and flow between dishes and palates. So whether you’ve got turkey or red meat on the table, the blend will almost self-select which qualities should be highlighted with every bite.”
Some of Australia’s best wines are red blends, and they have a long history here. When carefully crafted by skilful winemakers, these wines are more than the sum of their parts, taking each grape variety to new heights.
“I’ve always loved Australian wines, and especially red blends, for how deceptively simple they are,” says Amanda. “They present as these sort of warm, lovable creatures on the surface, but if you take a step back to examine, there’s so much nuance in there.”
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing wine for a family get-together, the perfect gift or just something to indulge in, these Australian red blends from celebrated wineries will tick all the boxes.
Yalumba ‘The Signature’ Cabernet Shiraz
This iconic wine is rich and full-flavoured, with vibrant aromas of dark fruit and spice. It’s a blend of grapes from top-quality Barossa vineyards, and will age gracefully for many years. First released in 1962, each release acknowledges someone who has made a significant contribution to Yalumba.
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
This classic Australian red from the world-renowned Penfolds winery is often referred to as ‘Baby Grange’, in part because components of it are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. Grapes are sourced from top South Australian vineyards, producing a full-flavoured wine with intense aromas, that’s perfect for immediate drinking and will also age beautifully for many years.
Jim Barry ‘The Barry Bros’ Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
Packed with flavours of red and dark fruits, this bright, easy-drinking blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon is a real crowd-pleaser. Produced by a leading Clare Valley winery, this is a delicious contemporary expression of a traditional Australian style.
Langmeil ‘Three Gardens’ Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
This rich, ruby-coloured wine celebrates the best of the historic Barossa Valley wine region, bringing together Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, varieties that have been growing in the region since the 1840s. It’s smooth and silky with a fruity, peppery and spicy finish.
Angove ‘Family Crest’ Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
From South Australia’s McLaren Vale wine region, this harmonious blend comes from the family-run Angove winery. It’s a full-flavoured wine that’s not overpowering, with flavours of dark fruit and spice, and a soft mouthfeel.
Henschke ‘Henry’s Seven’ Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre Viognier
A complex blend from one of Australia’s most celebrated wineries, this wine is a tribute to Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres in 1853. It’s crafted with grapes from the Barossa and has generous flavours of dark fruit and spice.
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles
This bold blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Shiraz isn’t aged in oak, which gives it a freshness and makes it perfect alongside food. Made with fruit from mostly old vines in the Barossa, it’s fragrant and full of flavour with notes of cherry, pomegranate and spice.
“These red blends have that perfect balance of sophistication, celebration, and simplicity, which is what I’m looking for in the holidays,” says Amanda.
Now that you’ve got your holiday wines sorted, impress your family and friends by serving your wine like an expert.
Happy holidays!
Want to learn more about Australian wine?
Download ‘Foundations of Australian wine’ to learn about Australia’s top wine regions and wine styles, along with the climate, soils and history that make Australia so unique.
