The SRG Guide to Wine
The wonderful world of wine is filled with adventure, sensory delight and endless stories of triumph and failure. There’s something for everyone when it comes to wine - whether you’re a curious beginner or well on your way to somm-level expertise.
As home to one of Sydney’s leading wine schools, we’ve put together this handy guide where we'll introduce you to some common wine terms, dispel common wine myths and acquaint ourselves with beloved grape varietals from the world over. So buckle up and grab a glass, we’re in for a good one!
Myths about Wine
We’re here to debunk some of the more common myths about wine…
Price Equals Quality: Price tags don't always tell the whole story. While some pricy wines are indeed liquid gold, plenty of affordable bottles offer delightful sips. So, before splurging, do a little homework or lean on the wisdom of a store known for its wine savvy.
The ‘Spoon in Champagne’ Trick: If you’ve ever watched a grandparent plunk a silver spoon handle-down in an open champagne bottle to keep it fizzy, prepare for a bubble-bursting revelation: it doesn't work. Science debunked this trick ages ago. Instead, use a proper stopper and refrigerate to keep those bubbles bouncing.
Screw Caps Mean Cheap Wine: Don't judge a wine by its closure! Screw caps aren't a sign of inferior quality. They can actually help maintain freshness and avoid the dreaded cork taint. So, twist open a bottle and enjoy without prejudice.
Red Wine with Meat, White Wine with Fish: While this classic pairing rule can be a helpful guide, it's not set in stone. Many delightful exceptions exist. Trust your taste buds or ask a sommelier for recommendations—after all, rules are made to be deliciously broken.
Exploring Grape Varietals:
Now let's take a walk through the vineyards and acquaint ourselves with some standout European and Australian grape varietals:
Chardonnay: Hailing from Burgundy, France, this is one versatile white grape, offering everything from creamy and oaky to crisp and fruity. Fun fact: it's one of only three grapes allowed to make champagne, so raise a flute to that!
Cabernet Sauvignon: Often dubbed the king of red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is Australia’s most planted variety. With bold flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. This grape is actually a love child! It's the result of a spontaneous cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, a delightful union that has blessed us with one of the world's most beloved red wines.
Merlot: Despite its reputation taking a hit in the movie "Sideways," Merlot remains one of the most widely planted and versatile grape varieties globally. It is known for its soft, velvety texture and plummy flavours.
Nebbiolo: The pride of Italy's Piedmont region, Nebbiolo crafts some of the finest reds, like Barolo and Barbaresco. Its high acidity, and firm tannins deliver flavours of cherry, tar, and floral notes.
Riesling: This aromatic white grape ranges from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, always with vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and floral aromas. Germany might be its birthplace, but Australian winemakers in cooler regions also adore it.
Shiraz (Syrah): Australia's signature grape, Shiraz, boasts a bold and spicy profile with black pepper, dark fruit, and chocolate notes. Meanwhile, its European counterpart, Syrah, offers a lighter and more subtle flavour.
Sangiovese: Pronounced ‘sun-jo-vae-zi,’ this is one versatile red grape! Depending on where it's grown, Sangiovese can exhibit a wide range of flavours and characteristics, from the bright cherry and floral notes of Chianti Classico to the bold and earthy profile of Brunello di Montalcino. It's like getting multiple wines in one grape!
Common Wine Terms
Last up, some wine wisdom you can sip on! Knowing these terms can deepen your enjoyment of wine, helping you savour and appreciate every sip with confidence making your wine journey all the more delightful.
Tannins: Think of them as nature's way of giving wine structure—found in grape skins, seeds, and stems, they add a touch of bitterness and contribute to a wines ageing potential.
Acidity: It's the zesty zing that gets your mouth watering upon first sip, vital for balance and freshness.
Body: This term describes the weight and mouthfeel of wine, ranging from light to full-bodied.
Oak: The influence of oak barrels on wine during the fermentation process, imparting hints of vanilla, spice, and a delightful toastiness.
Terroir: The unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that influences a wine's character.
Varietal: Simply refers to the type of grape used to make a wine such as Chardonnay or Merlot - the wine itself takes its name from the grape used to produce it.
Vintage: The year the grapes were harvested. Vintages will help you understand a wine's quality and potential for aging.
Join Us on the Wine Journey with SRG Wine Academy
Feeling the urge to dive deeper into the world of wine? At SRG, we adore sharing our passion for wine with enthusiasts like you. Explore the range of WSET courses we offer, or chat with any of our sommeliers, who are always delighted to assist you during your next visit to our venues.
Cheers!
