Expert Picks: DRY RED WINEs to try
WRITTEN BY STEVE RUMBLE
What is a dry red wine?
The term ‘dry’ refers to the lack of sweetness in the wine.
A dry wine is one where almost no residual sugar remains after fermentation. All wine starts as grape juice, which is full of natural sugars. During fermentation, the added yeasts convert these sugars into alcohol. Many wines are fermented until nearly all the sugar is transformed into alcohol, leaving no noticeable sweetness, hence the term ‘dry’ wine.
If a winemaker wants an off-dry or sweet wine, they might stop the fermentation early, leaving some residual sugar.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most popular red grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon creates robust dry red wines, with the grape’s high tannin content making the wine seem even drier. These wines have dark fruit flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and blackberry with notes of green pepper, spice and tobacco.
The grape is also used in blends including the world-famous Bordeaux red wines.
Full-bodied and rich, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs exceptionally well with rich and meaty dishes such as steak, beef casseroles, roast lamb and duck.
3. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir grapes are known for producing elegant dry red wines famous for their complex taste. While grown worldwide, the grape thrives in cooler climates. With a thinner skin than most other wine grapes, it makes smooth, light-bodied wines with a touch of sharpness.
The typical flavours of Pinot Noir range from raspberry, vanilla and cherry with earthy undertones. Pinot Noir is an excellent choice to pair with oily fish dishes such as salmon.
5. SYRAH/SHIRAZ
Depending on where it's grown, Syrah can produce earthy and savoury or intensely fruity and spicy dry red wines.
The grapes are packed with plum, blackberry, black pepper and smoke flavours. Their high acidity makes Syrah wines a good choice for pairing with fatty meats such as lamb and beef, especially if accompanied by BBQ or plum sauces and sweet fruity glazes.
In Australia and South Africa, this grape goes by the name Shiraz, but this name is also used in other countries to indicate a richer, more full-bodied style of red wine.
