We have picked out key grape varieties, identified their main characteristics and flavours, where they are from in the world and selected foods that are the perfect pairing.
White Wines
Chardonnay
Characteristics and flavours: Apple, lemon, mango, pineapple, vanilla when oaked.
Where in the World? Chardonnay first emerged in Burgundy and many of the best Chardonnay wines come from Burgundy such as Chablis. Fine new world examples come from Australia and New Zealand from renowned estates such as Kumeu River.
Great Food Matches: Chardonnays work perfectly with white meats such as chicken, turkey and pork. White fish and seafood such as lobster and crab in creamy sauces.
Chenin Blanc
Characteristics and flavours: Apple, pear, quince, honey.
Where in the World? Chenin Blanc is a wine of the Loire Valley, France but by the turn of the 21st century there was twice as much Chenin blanc planted in South Africa as there was in France.
Great Food Matches: Lighter, drier styles pair well with fish, salads and white meats where sweeter styles can balance the spices in Asian cuisine.
Gewurztraminer
Characteristics and flavours: Lychee, rose petal, grapefruit, orange, cinnamon, ginger.
Where in the World? Gewurztraminer originated in Germany but over several hundred years the grape is now one of the four Grand Cru grapes of Alsace and is fould along the foothills of the Alps including Romania, Hungary, Italy and Croatia.
Great Food Matches: Think exotic, Gewurztraminer is an ideal partner to spicy Asian cuisines. It's also an ideal accompaniment to fresh fruits because of the fruit flavours in the wine.
Pinot Grigio
Characteristics and flavours: Lemon, lime, pear, white nectarine, apple, honeysuckle.
Where in the World? With over 70,000 acres planted across the world with Pinot Grigio the main places are Italy, Germany, France and USA.
Great Food Matches: Creamy pasta dishes, pate, shellfish, salads.
Riesling
Characteristics and flavours: Apricot, nectarine, peach, apple, petrol, honey.
Where in the World? Originating from Germany, Riesling is Germany and Alsace's most grown variety. There are significant plantings across the world in countries including Chile, New Zealand and Australia.
Great Food Matches: Because of Riesling’s sweetness and acidity, it's the perfect match to spicy food. Indian and Asian spices work well with Riesling flavours.
Sauvignon Blanc
Characteristics and flavours: Gooseberry, cut grass, citrus, kiwi, green bell pepper, aromatic and herbacious.
Where in the World? The Loire Valley in France has some of the finest examples of Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand is well know for it's classic Sauvignon's. With plantings in a large selection of countries including Italy, Spain, Chile, South Africa and Australia.
Great Food Matches: Soft, sour cheeses such as goats cheese work well with Loire Sauvignon Blancs, white meats and fish and green herbs including parsley, tarragon, Thyme and fennel are key flavours that match well to Sauvignon Blanc.
Click here to browse our selection of Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Viognier
Characteristics and flavours: Peach, nectarine, orange blosson, honeysuckle, nutmeg.
Where in the World? Viognier is found in the Rhone Valley of France as it is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu. It is becoming increasingly popular in the Languedoc region of France as well as Australia, Chile and USA outside of France.
Great Food Matches: Grilled seafood, thai dishes, shellfish, Moroccan tagine.
Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
Characteristics and flavours: Black cherry, blackcurrant, liquorice, violets, tobacco.
Where in the World? Cabernet Sauvignon belongs on Bordeaux's Left Bank where it is usually blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon is grown all across the world, key areas include Australia, Chile and South Africa.
Great Food Matches: Red meats such as burgers and beef stroganoff, hard cheese.
Click here to browse our selection of Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Malbec
Characteristics and flavours: Cherry, plum, black pepper, chocolate.
Where in the World? Originating from France, one of Bordeaux's six permitted grape varieties. Now a key grape variety in Argentina and Chile.
Great Food Matches: Pasta in a tomato sauce, marinated ribs, pizza, spicy foods.
Merlot
Characteristics and flavours: Plums, cherries, blueberries, blackberries, black pepper.
Where in the World? Merlot belongs on the Right Bank in Bordeaux, other cool climate Merlots can be found in Italy and Chile whilst in warmer climates, Merlot can be found in Australia, Argentina and USA.
Great Food Matches: Merlot pairs well with many foods as it is near the middle of the red wine spectrum. Pairs well with chicken and red meats, pâtés or other charcuterie, pasta.
Pinot Noir
Characteristics and flavours: Cherry, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, clove.
Where in the World? Burgundy, France is home to some of the worlds greatest Pinot Noirs. Pinot Noir is found in many other countries cross the world including USA, Germany, New Zealand and Italy.
Great Food Matches: Pinot Noir is light enought to pair with Salmon but can stand up to heavier red meats such as duck. Pairs great with mushrooms as Pinot Noirs are often quite earthy.
Shiraz / Syrah
Characteristics and flavours: Blackberry, blueberry, pepper, clove, liquorice, herbs, mint.
Where in the World? Syrah originates from Cotes du Rhone, France where the wines are full bodied, earthy and herbacious. New world Syrah tends to be more fruit driven with lots of spice. Known as Shiraz, Australia is the main new world producer.
Great Food Matches: Rich red meats such as lamb, barbequed meats, game, peppery, herby dishes.
Tempranillo
Characteristics and flavours: Cherry, plum, liquorice, vanilla, leather, tobacco.
Where in the World? Tempranillo originates from Spain and has been drank there for the last 2000 years.
Great Food Matches: Pairs well with Spanish food such as roasted vegatables, cured meat and tapas. Also works well with tomato based pastas, pizza and Mexican foods such as burritos, nachos and tacos.
