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? You may prefer to use the Wine Finder based on the wines you already know and love. If you’re a Sauvignon sipper, our Wine Finder might tell you to give our Classics Grüner Veltliner a go – it’s dry and refreshing with notes of green apple and elderflower. For Pinot Noir lovers, it might match you to 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 you’ll be matched with this South African Chenin Blanc – 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.