As I swirled the burgundy liquid around the glass, sinking my nose into the rich aromas of blackcurrant and subtle oaky textures, then taking a sip to allow the mild tannins of the wine to wash all over my mouth, while I was enjoying this sensory overload, my partner had been watching me. In awe? With jealousy? I had plenty of wine to share. No, that wasn’t why he had been watching me, mostly because I looked like an idiot who had no clue as to what they’re doing, hey I’m learning too. His response was “wine is confusing”. Instantly I shriek, “No, it’s not!” But on second thought, I guess wine can be confusing.

Now I’ve been a wine drinker for some time and have been to my fair share of wine tastings at numerous wineries in multiple states, but again I’m no expert, though I do know the difference between a Pinot noir and a Pinot Gris. To a non wine drinker, like my partner, for him it seems like a massive “why wine? I don’t get it?”. This can be a common feeling for non wine drinkers or people who have just started to explore the world of wine, for example; a person is at a restaurant and would like to have a bottle of wine with their meal, the person scans the list of wines that are on offer, recognise nothing that their local liquor store doesn’t sell in the ‘bulk buy 3 for $28’ sale, which they usually would buy with a grocery shop. The person then decides on a Shiraz, as they’ve tried that in the past. The person is conflicted with the entire red with red meat and white with white meat theory, when ordering chicken. What will the waiter think? I don’t know what I’m doing? Do I have to have do that swirl and sip thing while the waiter watches me? Then say the wine is delicious but I actually don’t like it?

Wine is confusing. That exact scenario has happened to me, both as a patron and as a waiter, it’s awkward and can be embarrassing. But it doesn’t have to be.

From the research that I have been conducting since starting this blog, reading other wine writers work, books, & listening to podcasts, they all say the same thing, this concept of what you ‘should be doing’ or ‘how’ to drink wine, unless your an expert, they all agree, there is absolutely no right or wrong way to drink wine, you just drink and savour the wine and the moment; sharing a bottle with friends at a dinner party dinner, on a date night out on the town, or taking pleasure with a glass of wine after a long day on the couch, watching your favourite tv show. Just enjoy. That particular wine variety may not be your favourite, but this is where you get to experiment and expand your horizons and try something new. Ask the waiter what they recommend, buy a different variety next time at a bottle-o or get inspiration after reading this blog. The more you try, the more likely you will find what suits your taste.

So with that in mind this week at my local Dan Murphy’s I was on a mission, I wanted to compare two Shiraz varieties from different Australian regions, Heathcote Victoria and Barossa South Australia. To start expanding my taste memory of the same variety of grape but from different regions, and I think I’ve achieved this.

The pair have the standard scent of dark fruit and spice which a Shiraz generally has, they both have a medium bodied mouth feel and tannins present, one more prevalent then the other, with a dry finish on each. Both very reasonably priced under $24.

The Heathcote De Bortoli Deen Vat 8 Shiraz, I’ve actually had the pleasure of drinking before and am fond of. Even today the dark fruit flavours and light spice, I could easily sit and finish the bottle, very enjoyable. I personally wouldn’t match with food, I suppose I appreciate the higher tannin mouth feel and it would taste more like a meal on it’s own.

The Cat Amongst the Pigeons Fat Cat Shiraz, even bolder and a wider fruitier flavour at the front of the mouth, with luxurious plum and black berry flavours really shining, less tannin at the back of the mouth but would really pair well with an equally bold meaty meal, enriching the deepness of the fruit.

These wines have been professionally reviewed, rewarded and both claimed to be representative from where they are from. As cliche as it may sound the Barossa feels “warmer” compared to the Heathcote, located further south and from a cooler climate. The Fat Cat Shiraz is also described as the “ultimate Barossa Shiraz”, reflecting typical Barossa styled Shiraz traits.

I love a big Shiraz, and while looking like the ‘idiot’ and confusing my partner further more, I asked would he like to try some? I was interested in a non wine drinkers option. Was it fair of me to get my partner to try a bold Shiraz for his introduction to the world of wine? I figured he generally fancies a rich steak and that the Shiraz would be fair game. This was my mistake. Just a sip was all he had to take.

Let’s just say wine is still confusing and still not to my partners liking. Or maybe he just needs to keep trying?

To purchase the wines from Dan Murphy’s;

Cat Amongst The Pigeons Fat Cat Shiraz

https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_828268/cat-amongst-the-pigeons-fat-cat-shiraz

De Bortoli Deen Vat 8 Shiraz

https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_828268/cat-amongst-the-pigeons-fat-cat-shiraz

Enjoy responsibly, until next time,

Cheers,

Jayde

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