June 2007

Wine notes with Foster's

When thinking Red, think light!

There's nothing more indulgent than curling up in Winter with a devilishly decadent cheese platter, divine glass of red wine and a good book. I have grandiose visions of myself looking totally glam lulling the chilly night away in this manor, gracefully splayed in front of a raging fireplace ... Ok, more wishful thinking than reality - perhaps curled up on the couch in my pink bathrobe looking not so glam is a more accurate description ... but you get the idea though!

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But it's got me thinking - what is a girl to do when she is not a fan of red wine? How does one re-create that lavishly warm winter scene when she simply can't stomach the rich, massively heavy mouth-feel of many a decent red. The answer, my fellow 'babes', is to 'think light'.

Red wine needn't be too rich or overwhelming. There are many varietals that boast sweet, juicy, fruit flavours of cherries, berries, plums and strawberries. These wines display magnificent flavour, all the while being soft, generous and luscious on the palate.

By adding the following brands to your drinking repertoire, you will be a wintry vision, graciously swirling these deliciously fruity explosions of flavour in your glass like a pro.

Pepperjack Grenache Rose, Barossa Valley, SA. RRP $20
Magenta with purples hues this wine displays aromas of red berries and cherry with fragrant floral characters. The palate displays ripe berry and plum flavours, with well structured acidity adding a delightful freshness and vibrancy.

Devil's Lair Fifth Leg Rose, Margaret River, WA. RRP $20
A bright, fruity note with lifted floral and cherry, berry and strawberry aromas, mixed with hints of delightful musk. Succulent and juicy with subtle hints of orange blossom. Fresh and vibrant on the palate with sweet, juicy fruit and a clean zingy finish.

Coldstream Hills Merlot, Yarra Valley, VIC. RRP $22
The nose shows ripe fruit characters of dark plum and cherry with cedary smoky oak. Savoury tones are evident along with Christmas cake spice notes. A medium-bodied style with lovely texture and depth. The wine exhibits ripe characters of cherry and plum.

T'Gallant Juliet Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsular, VIC. RRP $16
Delicate Pinot perfume, like a mixture of raspberry and face powder! A silky languid mouth feel. Lovely ripe plummy fruit flavours. This Peninsula Pinot offers fantastic value and the packaging is absolutely gorgeous!

Annies Lane Cabernet Merlot, Clare Valley, SA. RRP $17
A vibrant, deep red in the glass. Fragrant aromas of blackcurrant, violets and berries develop into a rich, soft palate. This luscious wine offers a long, lingering finish.

Cheers!

Shantelle Miller Foster's Group e shantelle.miller@fostersgroup.com w www.fostersgroup.com