Being a sub-tropical climate, the wines that are popular in Europe or even the southern states are not always ideal for drinking in Brisbane. Particularly coming up to summer, the lighter, fresher styles are better suited to our outdoor, casual lifestyle.
At The Wine Emporium, some of the most popular are the new releases of Sauvignon Blancs. These are wonderfully aromatic, often with flavours of tropical fruits, asparagus, cut-grass or sometimes (more unkindly) cat-pee. Best consumed in their youth, the 2005s are now hitting retail shelves and restaurant winelists.
New Zealand’s Marlborough region is famous the world over for their delicious Sauvignon Blancs, while in Australia both the Adelaide Hills and Margaret River can produce outstanding wines, the latter sometimes blended with Semillon for a little more complexity.
Ideally, red wines should be drunk around 16 degreesRosé is something of a dirty word to many winelovers, but in truth this style is ideal for summertime drinking in our city. Produced from red grape varieties, but without the extended soaking on the dark grape skins (which gives red wine its colour), they are much lighter and easier drinking than other red wines. Best of all, they should be served lightly chilled, making them all the more refreshing. Rosés range from completely dry to slightly sweet depending on producer, and are often less expensive than other red wines.
Of course, many people want a big red wine regardless of the outside temperature! If you would still rather drink your Shiraz and Cabernets, one thing to keep in mind is that all wines, including red wines, do benefit from a light chilling prior to opening. Pop them in the fridge for an hour or so before drinking them and they will taste even better during the warmer months. Ideally, red wines should be drunk around 16 degrees, so when it’s scorching outside, cool them down before drinking.
