Wine's color is the direct result of the grape skins in contact with the grape's juice during the fermentation process, creating red wine's distinct color spectrum. A particular red hue depends on which of approximately 50 key red grape varietals are used and the length of time the skin's pigmentation is in contact with juice.
Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot, oh my. Understanding the complexities and variety of red wine can be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the correct wine for a dinner. Here are some wine selection tips for five of the most popular red wines for the beginner.
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Mixed Premium Red Wine Cleanskin Dozen |  |
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AU $99.00 | 21m |
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12 X 2008 GREENHILL ESTATE EXPORT CAB SAUV RED WINE | |
2 Bids | AU $21.50 | 48m |
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12 X 2006 SANDY BAY BAROSSA CLEANSKIN SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
1 Bid | AU $19.99 | 1h 18m |
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Three Rivers Chris Ringland Shiraz 1994 Red Wine | |
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AU $849.00 | 1h 20m |
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YALDARA WINES LYNDOCH VALLEY SOUTH AUST DRY RED WINE | |
3 Bids | AU $6.50 | 2h 20m |
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2003 McGUIGAN MIRROOL CREEK CABERNET SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
5 Bids | AU $10.50 | 2h 22m |
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1995 PENFOLDS BIN 389 BABY GRANGE CAB SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
8 Bids | AU $61.00 | 3h 17m |
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2005 Shepparton Mt Major Premium Red Label Merlot Wine | |
3 Bids | AU $3.70 | 3h 47m |
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12 X 2006 SANDY BAY BAROSSA CABERNET MERLOT RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 5h 18m |
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12 X 2004 COONAWARRA PREMIUM Caberent Shiraz RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 6h |
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2006 MONICHINO VICTORIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON RED WINE | |
5 Bids | AU $7.00 | 6h 17m |
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12 X 2006 SANDY BAY BAROSSA CLEANSKIN MERLOT RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 6h 18m |
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2006 TALLAROOK RANGES RESERVE SHRIAZ VIOGNIER RED WINE | |
3 Bids | AU $7.50 | 6h 48m |
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12 X 2004 COONAWARRA PREMIUM Cabernet Merlot RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 7h |
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1995 PENFOLDS ST HENRI Shiraz MINT PHANTOM RED WINE | |
5 Bids | AU $80.00 | 7h 18m |
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12 X 2008 SANDY BAY WESTERN AUSTRALIA MERLOT RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 7h 25m |
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12 X 2005 CLARE VALLEY PREMIUM Cabernet Merlot RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 7h 30m |
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12 X 2005 GREEN HILL ESTATE MILDURA CABERNET RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 8h |
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1986 SHOTTESBROOKE Red Blend ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $49.95 | 8h 16m |
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12 X 2006 SANDY BAY BAROSSA CABERNET SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 8h 30m |
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1994 MOUNTADAM The Red Eden Valley Cabernet Merlot WINE | |
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AU $49.95 | 8h 41m |
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1983 EGRI BIKAVER Bulls Blood Red Wine ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $39.95 | 8h 43m |
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Merlot Monté Michel Red Wine 12 Bt RRP$220 | |
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AU $84.95 | 10h 2m |
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Red Wine South Aust Cab Sauv 2007 Cleanskin 6 pack | |
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AU $36.00 | 1d 2m |
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Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz Magnum 1991 Red Wine | |
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AU $499.00 | 1d 1h 20m |
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2005 MURRAY PARK RED LABEL SA CABERNET MERLOT RED WINE | |
3 Bids | AU $7.50 | 1d 1h 42m |
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12 X 2008 SANDY BAY WESTERN AUSTRALIA SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 1d 3h 27m |
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2002 PENFOLDS Cellar Reserve Sangiovese ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $52.95 | 17d 8h 36m |
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2006 PENFOLDS Cellar Reserve Sangiovese ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $49.95 | 17d 8h 49m |
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2004 PENFOLDS Cellar Reserve Sangiovese ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $49.95 | 17d 8h 50m |
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2005 FERRARI FIGLI Argine Sangiovese ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $28.95 | 23d 9h 2m |
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Red Wine King Valley Rose Sangiovese 2008 Cleanskin Doz | |
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AU $90.00 | 27d 1h 29m |
Definition: Italy's most commonly planted red grape varietal, boasting over a dozen distinct clones, is a thin-skinned grape that tends to linger longer on the vine, takes its time to mature. Central Italy, specifically the region of Tuscany, is the agricultural heartland of the Sangiovese grape.
Italian Chianti and Chianti Classico wines are prime examples of popular wines produced predominantly from Sangiovese. Typically Sangiovese grapes make medium to full-bodied wines with tannin structure ranging from medium-soft to firm. Dominate flavors associated with Sangiovese derived wines include: cherry, plum, strawberry, cinnamon and vanilla. There is often a herbaceous quality associated with Sangiovese wines. As for acidity levels, Sangiovese leans towards medium to high acidity content. The finish can range from elegant to bitter.
Food Pairings: Well-matched for the flavors of chicken, red meat, fish, lamb, pork, pastas, stews or well-aged cheeses.
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12 X 2008 SANDY BAY MORNINGTON PREMIUM PINOT NOIR WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 3h 48m |
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1995 ST INNOCENT Pinot Noir USA ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $39.95 | 8h 17m |
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1992 WIGNALLS Great Southern Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $34.95 | 8h 46m |
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Mt Major 2008 Premium Pinot Noir 12x750 Case Lot | |
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AU $26.99 | 2d 2h 44m |
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Red Wine Geelong Pinot Noir Cleanskin 1 Dozen | |
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AU $93.00 | 7d 54m |
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Pinot Noir Premium Estate grown and made from Victoria | |
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AU $100.00 | 7d 23h 16m |
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2001 CURLY FLAT Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $59.95 | 12d 8h 43m |
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1997 JAMIESONS RUN Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $26.95 | 19d 9h 38m |
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1999 MAIN RIDGE ESTATE Half Acre Pinot Noir ISLE WINE | |
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AU $74.95 | 19d 9h 53m |
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1999 BRINALON Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $34.95 | 19d 10h 4m |
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1999 ELDRIDGE ESTATE Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $39.95 | 19d 10h 7m |
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2002 FROGMORE CREEK Organic Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $68.95 | 23d 8h 59m |
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1987 SIMON GILBERT Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $39.95 | 27d 9h 8m |
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1998 MAIN RIDGE ESTATE Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $39.95 | 27d 9h 16m |
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Portarlington Ridge Pinot Noir Wine 6 Bottles | |
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AU $73.45 | 28d 3h 46m |
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1991 WIGNALLS Great Southern Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $36.95 | 29d 8h 37m |
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1998 HAZYBLUR WINES Emanueles Block Pinot Noir ISLE OF | |
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AU $26.95 | 29d 8h 46m |
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2000 TGALLANT White Pinot Noir ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $29.95 | 29d 8h 53m |
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2005 MEADOWBANK Pinot Noir Tas ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $29.95 | 29d 9h 6m |
Definition: Pinot Noir may be the toughest grape to grow, but the effort is well worth the investment. It is a fickle grape that demands optimum growing conditions, demanding warm days consistently supported by cool evenings. Pinot Noir is a lighter colored and flavored red wine.
Pinot Noir’s forerunner and modest inspiration hails from red Burgundy, one of France’s most prized wines. Today, Pinot Noir is planted in regions around the world including: Oregon, California, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Italy.
Due to the stringent growing requirements for Pinot Noir, it is produced in much smaller quantities than other popular red wines. Traditionally, you will also pay a little more for Pinot Noir, as the “supply and demand” theories kick in. However, for an excellent value you may consider Castle Rock Carneros Pinot Noir 2003 at just $10 a pop, you will be hard pressed to find a better price for a truly delightful Pinot Noir.
Flavor Profile: It’s flavors are reminiscent of sweet red berries, plums, tomatoes, cherries and at times a notable earthy or wood-like flavor, depending on specific growing conditions.
Food Pairing: Pinot Noir is well-suited to pair with poultry, beef, fish, ham, lamb and pork. It will play well with creamy sauces, spicy seasonings and may just be one of the world's most versatile food wines.
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2007 dARENBERG Derelict Grenache ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $23.95 | 2d 5h 39m |
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MACAW CREEK 80 GRENACHE 20 SHIRAZ 2004 X 2 | |
0 Bid | AU $.99 | 3d 9h 3m |
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1971 SOUTHERN VALES Shiraz Grenache ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $59.95 | 4d 8h 59m |
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1998 CORIOLE Lalla Rookh Grenache Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $32.95 | 6d 3h 26m |
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Label 1940s circa MELCHIOR GRENACHE Unmounted | |
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AU $16.95 | 7d 8h 57m |
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Kalleske Clarrys Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2008 6pk | |
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AU $100.00 | 11d 1h 45m |
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1996 CORIOLE Lalla Rookh Grenache Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $32.95 | 13d 8h 30m |
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2004 WHISSON LAKE Grenache Gaz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $18.95 | 17d 8h 41m |
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2005 NOON Twelve Bells Grenache Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $42.95 | 23d 9h 7m |
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2006 NOON Twelve Bells Grenache Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $42.95 | 23d 9h 10m |
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2002 TORBRECK Neck Oil Shiraz Grenache ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $26.95 | 26d 8h 43m |
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1999 ADW ALLIANCE McLaren Vale Grenache ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $16.95 | 26d 8h 44m |
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Wine Brookfield Cabernet Sauvignon 08 12 btls | |
0 Bid | AU $65.00 | 59m |
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1996 Penfolds Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon Wine | |
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AU $489.00 | 2h 19m |
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12 X 2006 SANDY BAY BAROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 2h 24m |
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2006 MONICHINO VICTORIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON RED WINE | |
5 Bids | AU $7.00 | 6h 17m |
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12 X 2005 CLARE VALLEY PREMIUM Cabernet Sauvignon WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 8h 18m |
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1981 WATER WHEEL Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $34.95 | 8h 28m |
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1974 SEAVIEW Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $44.95 | 8h 39m |
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1981 MITCHELL Seven Hill Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE WINE | |
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AU $44.95 | 8h 54m |
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1981 MITCHELL SevenHill Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $29.95 | 8h 56m |
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1981 PEWSEY VALE Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $42.95 | 8h 59m |
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1981 CHATEAU TAHBILK Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $46.95 | 9h |
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Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum 1993 | |
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AU $449.00 | 1d 1h 20m |
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1980 MITCHELL Seven Hill Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE WINE | |
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AU $46.95 | 1d 8h 37m |
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1988 LINDEMANS St George Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE WINE | |
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AU $69.95 | 1d 8h 38m |
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1981 MILDARA Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $32.95 | 1d 8h 58m |
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1981 HICKINBOTHAM Anakie Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE WINE | |
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AU $44.95 | 1d 9h 3m |
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1980 BALGOWNIE ESTATE Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $34.95 | 1d 9h 4m |
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1978 MILDARA Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $54.95 | 1d 9h 10m |
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Penfolds Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Red Wine | |
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AU $649.00 | 2d 1h 20m |
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Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2001 | |
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AU $179.95 | 2d 21h 50m |
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1986 CH REYNELLA Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $36.95 | 3d 9h 3m |
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1987 THE WINE SOCIETY Berri Renmano Cabernet Sauvignon | |
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AU $22.95 | 3d 9h 4m |
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2000 FIVE OAKS Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $28.95 | 3d 9h 5m |
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1993 PENFOLDS BIN 707 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 94points WINE | |
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AU $209.00 | 4d 1h 37m |
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1977 CH TAHBILK Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $64.95 | 4d 8h 10m |
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1968 SEAVIEW Cabernet Sauvignon ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $89.95 | 4d 8h 26m |
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Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 TaurusOx Wine | |
3 Bids | AU $41.00 | 4d 8h 27m |
Definition: Often referred to as the “King of Red Wine Grapes,” originally from Bordeaux, with a substantial foothold in California’s wine races, has the privilege of being the world’s most sought after red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes tend to favor warmer climates and are often an ideal wine for aging, with 5-10 years being optimal for the maturation process to peak. Because Cabs take a bit longer to reach maturation, allowing their flavors to mellow, they are ideal candidates for blending with other grapes, primarily Merlot. This blending softens the Cabernet, adding appealing fruit tones, without sacrificing its innate character.
Flavor Profile: Cabs range from medium-bodied to full-bodied and are characterized by their high tannin content which serve to provide structure and intrigue while supporting a rich, ripe berry, tobacco and sometimes green pepper flavor.
Food Pairings: red meats, flavorful and heartier (red) pastas, lamb, strong-flavored cheese, and chocolates (especially dark).
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Wine Alcohol Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 08 6 pk | |
0 Bid | AU $75.00 | 34m |
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Wine Alcohol Long Flat Shiraz 2008 1 DOZ | |
0 Bid | AU $71.95 | 45m |
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Wine Puppeteer Shiraz 2006 1 DOZ | |
4 Bids | AU $76.00 | 53m |
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Wine Puppeteer Shiraz 2008 1 DOZ | |
0 Bid | AU $69.95 | 55m |
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2 Black Ducks Barossa Shiraz Great Wine | |
0 Bid | AU $36.00 | 1h 4m |
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12 X 2006 SANDY BAY BAROSSA CLEANSKIN SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
1 Bid | AU $19.99 | 1h 18m |
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Three Rivers Chris Ringland Shiraz 1994 Red Wine | |
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AU $849.00 | 1h 20m |
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2003 McGUIGAN MIRROOL CREEK CABERNET SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
5 Bids | AU $10.50 | 2h 22m |
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1995 PENFOLDS BIN 389 BABY GRANGE CAB SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
8 Bids | AU $61.00 | 3h 17m |
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12 X 2004 COONAWARRA PREMIUM Caberent Shiraz RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 6h |
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Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2002 {3 Bottles} | |
0 Bid | AU $79.99 | 6h 37m |
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1992 Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz X 1 | |
0 Bid | AU $20.00 | 6h 38m |
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1995 PENFOLDS ST HENRI Shiraz MINT PHANTOM RED WINE | |
5 Bids | AU $80.00 | 7h 18m |
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2002 BARWICK WINES Six Valleys Estate Shiraz ISLE WINE | |
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AU $19.95 | 8h 10m |
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1972 MILDARA Shiraz Cabernet ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $44.95 | 8h 22m |
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1988 ARROWFIELD Cabernet Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $29.95 | 8h 27m |
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12 X 2006 SANDY BAY BAROSSA CABERNET SHIRAZ RED WINE | |
0 Bid | AU $19.99 | 8h 30m |
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2002 BURRA CREEK Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $18.95 | 8h 44m |
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1985 LINDEMANS Watervale Cabernet Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $44.95 | 8h 53m |
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1986 KAISER STUHL Bin R96 Show Reserve Shiraz ISLE WINE | |
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AU $49.95 | 8h 55m |
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1986 HEEMSKERK Shiraz Tasmania ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $42.95 | 8h 57m |
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1971 ANGOVES Cabernet Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $34.95 | 9h 4m |
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1989 Disgorged ROCKFORD Sparkling Shiraz ISLE OF WINE | |
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AU $169.95 | 9h 5m |
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Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2004 | |
6 Bids | AU $36.00 | 11h 20m |
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2003 Noon Winery Reserve Shiraz X 1 | |
0 Bid | AU $70.00 | 21h 24m |
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1995 Grant Burge Meshach Barossa Shiraz X 1 | |
0 Bid | AU $50.00 | 21h 25m |
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Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz Magnum 1991 Red Wine | |
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AU $499.00 | 1d 1h 20m |
Definition: You say "Shiraz," I say "Syrah" - it's the same grape none-the-less. In France it is known and grown as Syrah, and responsible for some of the Northern Rhone's big, bold red wines. However, in Australia and South Africa it goes by "Shiraz".
Shiraz is touted as Australia's spicy, big-hitting red wine. The Barossa and Hunter Valleys along with McLaren Vale are Australia's dominating Shiraz growing regions. As for the grape, it is a deep-purple color and produces medium to full-bodied wines.
Flavor Profile: Shiraz wines display firm tannins (although they are typically ripe and smooth, not abrasive like younger reds can be), a fuller body, and the rich round flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, clove, licorice, dark chocolate and smoked meat. Food Pairings
Shiraz is great for grilled meats or veggies, wild game, richly flavored red meats, beef stew and meat lover's pizza.
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Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2001 | |
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AU $179.95 | 2d 21h 50m |
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Hunter Merlot 2007 Boutique Red Wine 12 Btl Cs RRP $340 | |
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AU $150.00 | 3d 15h 46m |
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Kissing Bridge Cabernet Merlot Wine 18 Bottles | |
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AU $209.95 | 6d 3h 7m |
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Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 1998 x 12 Red Wine | |
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AU $1,099.00 | 8d 20m |
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Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 1996 x 12 Red Wine | |
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AU $949.00 | 8d 20m |
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Red Wine Coonawarra Cab Merlot 2006 Cleanskin 1 doz | |
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AU $101.00 | 12d 3h 36m |
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Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot Magnum 1981 | |
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AU $299.00 | 26d 1h 20m |
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Fraser Gallop 2008 Margaret River Cabernet Merlot | |
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AU $200.00 | 26d 2h 38m |
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Irvine Grand Merlot Magnum 1994 Red Wine | |
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AU $349.00 | 27d 1h 20m |
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Lyrup Crossing Merlot Wine 18 Bottles | |
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AU $132.25 | 28d 3h 21m |
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Xanadu Dragon Cabernet Merlot Wine 18 Bottles | |
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AU $264.55 | 28d 4h 4m |
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Yarraman Banjo Shiraz Merlot Wine 18 Bottles | |
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AU $141.70 | 28d 4h 4m |
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Mastermind Merlot Wine 12 Bottles | |
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AU $151.15 | 28d 4h 4m |
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Zilzie S23 Merlot Wine 18 Bottles | |
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AU $151.15 | 28d 4h 4m |
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Hunter Merlot 2007 Boutique Red Wine 12 Bottle Case | |
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AU $150.00 | 29d 8h 23m |
Definition: The classic Merlot grape originated from the Bordeaux region of France. It produces a soft, medium-bodied red wine with juicy fruit flavors.
Flavor Profile: A range of fresh flavors such as plums, cherries, blueberries and blackberries mixed with blackpepper tones, typically dominate this smooth red wine. The tannin levels are fairly low and the fruit flavors are typically very forward - making this a prime wine candidate for consumers just "getting into" red wines. Merlot is often used to blend with other varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. By blending Merlot with these wines, a symbiotic relationship can exist. The Cabs are softened, mellowed a bit and the Merlot is better structured and defined.
Food Pairing: Fairly versatle when it comes to food pairing options. Poultry, red meat, pork, pastas, salads - Merlot can handle them all well.
