A beginner's guide for those wanting to buy the ideal bottle of red wine

Settling down, whether in the company of others or enjoying quality time alone, with a drink is one of life’s great pleasures. It might be after a physically or mentally exhausting day at work that it can be enjoyed, or perhaps as part of a leisurely way to spend a day. Australia, with its amazing scenery, great outdoors, and agreeable climate, is the perfect place for such activity, whatever beverage is preferred.

It might be a soft drink on a summer afternoon, or simply a mug of tea enjoyed while having a long conversation, or perhaps a special cocktail to celebrate. However, why not enjoy local produce and help those employed, as well as the national economy, as is the case when choosing red wine? While many experienced individuals have enjoyed a glass of red for many years, partnering with an expert supplier to buy their goods, here is a beginner's guide for those looking to buy for the first time.

• To begin, it’s not a bad idea to get a grasp of the different types of grapes from which red wine is produced, with each having its own personality. For instance, Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, full-bodied, and often contains flavours of blackcurrant, plum, and hints of oak. It’s great with steak or rich dishes. Merlot, on the other hand, is softer and fruitier, with hints of plum and chocolate. Pinot Noir is known for its elegance, with red berry flavours and a subtle earthiness, which is ideal for those preferring something lighter. Shiraz is spicy, bold, and often peppery, containing dark fruit flavours.

• Considering the time and occasion where the red wine will be enjoyed plays an important part in its selection. Relaxing with a drink while watching a movie night might be best with something easy-drinking and versatile, while a formal dinner might warrant a more structured bottle. For casual gatherings, go for medium-bodied wines like Merlot or a fruity Shiraz. Romantic dinners suit an elegant Pinot Noir, while hearty winter meals can be complemented with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

• As the previous points identify, the wine can play a vital part in the meal with which it is served. Red meat goes beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon, while those looking forward to a meal consisting of pasta with tomato-based sauces work well with medium-bodied wines like Merlot or Shiraz. Pinot Noir is the go-to red wine when sitting down to eat a dish containing roasted chicken or mushrooms.

• Geography is part of the wine choosing process and education, making the experience interesting as well as enjoyable, as where a wine is grown affects its flavour due to climate and soil, often referred to as terroir. Bordeaux is known for its quality blends, often based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while elsewhere in France, Burgundy is famous for refined Pinot Noir. California offers a wide range of styles, but why not stay Australian, whose vineyards produce bold Shiraz with ripe fruit flavours?

• It’s always a good idea to ask a supplier for assistance, who will explain the importance of tasting notes and labels and how to assess them. They are likely to point out that price alone can sometimes be misleading, as it reflects quality, but not a guarantee of enjoyment. Many excellent beginner-friendly red wines are in the mid-range price bracket. Expensive bottles may be more complex or older, but that isn’t always what a beginner is looking for.

A little bit of research can make buying and drinking red wine increasingly enjoyable, once grape varieties have been established, and the occasion thought about, while choosing the right supplier.