How to choose wine: find your perfect match

Some wines are heavier and richer than others, just like different foods. A heavy, rich wine will be described as ‘full-bodied.’ Compare a rich, unctuous stew with a light, fragrant broth, or a glass of milk with a glass of water – one feels fuller or thicker than the other. This is what wine buffs mean when they talk about ‘mouthfeel.’

If you like our Classics Rioja, you probably like a fuller-bodied wine. The Tempranillo grapes used to make Rioja have relatively thick skins, contributing to high levels of tannins in the wine. This, in turn, creates structure and a fuller body. Tannins – a word that crops up often in wine – are naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins and seeds, which give structure, body and a dry mouthfeel to the wine. Tannins are found all over the natural world, in fruits, seeds, tea and even wood. Ageing wine in oak barrels can also add to a fuller body.

Not all full-bodied wines are red – you can get full-bodied white wines, like our oaked Gable Lodge Stellenrust Chardonnay. If you prefer light-bodied red wines, try our Tierra y Hombre Pinot Noir or Found Marzemino.

Still not sure what wine to choose? If you’re a Sauvignon sipper, give our Classics Grüner Veltliner a go – it’s dry and refreshing with notes of green apple and elderflower. For Pinot Noir lovers, try our Classics Beaujolais-Villages – it’s also made with Gamay grapes for a lighter style of wine. For those who love an elegant Chardonnay on a warm day, maybe this South African Chenin Blanc is your tipple – it’s rounded and smooth with flavours of apricot, pear and vanilla, and like Chardonnay, is amazingly versatile as an aperitif or with seafood, chicken or grilled vegetable dishes.