Wine Reviews 
Winter: the perfect time to discover a good red wine
If the winter weather has you reaching for a blanket and wishing you could hibernate until the days get longer and the sun appears, red wine could be your saviour. A hearty, full-bodied red can bring your home-cooked meals alive and give you a much-needed boost when the skies are grey and a chill descends.
An introduction to red wine
Red wine is made from dark-coloured grapes. There are hundreds of types of red wine and lots of different countries pride themselves on being prime producers of the finest reds on offer. Some of the more prominent names include Shiraz, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Rioja. Top producing countries include France, South Africa, Spain, Australia, the USA and Italy.
Making wine involves several processes carried out over a prolonged period of time. It can often take years to produce the best quality wines and take grapes from harvest to your glass.
Finding the perfect accompaniment for a glass of red
When it’s cold outside and all you want to do is curl up in front of the fire and eat comfort food, this is an excellent time to discover red wine. Red wine tends to be a popular choice in the colder months, when people are looking for depth and flavour rather than refreshment. Cold temperatures often have an impact on the meals we choose to eat and the good news is that red wine is a perfect partner for many winter favourites.
Red wine is an ideal accompaniment for red meat, game, hearty pies and pasta dishes such as lasagne, roast dinners, casseroles, stews, flavoursome soups and British classics such as sausage and mash.
If you’re visiting the theatre and looking forward to enjoying a glass of wine during the play or you’re having guests around for a dinner party and are eager to impress with your food and wine pairings, here are some ideas to inspire you and give you that expert touch:
Starter: pair a goat’s cheese tart with a dash of Pinot Noir
Main course: team braised venison and roasted vegetables with a glass of Grenache
Dessert: complement a dark chocolate fondant with a small glass of vintage port
Red wine can be heavy, especially with a three-course meal, so stick to small glasses throughout the meal. After dessert, a cheese board is the perfect way to round off proceedings and bring out the best in your selection of reds.
How can I learn more?
Many people have an interest in wine, but don’t know how to go about learning more about wine production, different types of wine and wine-tasting. Look out for local events at pubs and restaurants, join a wine-tasting society or look for opportunities to visit vineyards when you next head abroad for a holiday. There are also myriad resources available online to enable you to do some reading and research and you can also subscribe to magazines dedicated to wine tasting and wine production.