Choosing a fine wine

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, an expert shares her tips for a good drop

WALKING into a bottle shop or browsing wine online is often overwhelming. Since we are spoiled for choice, Christine Ricketts, cellar director at wine retailer Cellarmasters, shares what to bear in mind so we can buy wine like a pro.

Whites and rosé — drink fresh

Ricketts says most rosé and white wines (quality riesling and chardonnays being the exception) are made to be enjoyed young, so the more recent the vintage, the fresher the flavour.

“Vintage means the year the grapes in the wine were harvested,” she says.

“New vintages for Aussie whites and rosés are traditionally released in spring.”

If it’s Italian, it’s a great food wine

If you are looking for the perfect wine to pair with your meal, Ricketts suggests looking out for Italian labels.

“Italian-style wines tend to be food-friendly, with beautiful textures and refined flavours that are not too overpowering,” she explains.

“Wines like fiano, nero d’Avola, sangiovese and pinot grigio are having a big moment in Australia, so look out for these textured whites and lighterstyle reds for a perfect pairing.”

For quality, go for regional wines

If you are after a special bottle, Ricketts recommends opting for regional wines to get the cream of the crop.

“Go for a wine from Eden Valley or Barossa Valley, instead of just the semi-regional labelling of ‘South Australia’,” she says.

“Regional means that all the parcels of fruit are from that very region (and ideally the fruit has been grown there because it’s the best region to grow that particular grape) as opposed to being sourced from a huge area.”

Learn what you like

The best way to always take home a bottle you will like is to note the wines you love.

Ricketts suggests paying attention to the wine’s body (light, medium or full), aromas and flavours (for example, cherry, strawberry, chocolate or smoky), as well as how long the flavours linger.

“Have a look at the label and note the region, variety and vintage and that will help you next time,” Ricketts says.

For more expert tips, visit lifestyle.com.au.