FAQ
What are the most common types of red wine?
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Some of the best-known red wine varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Malbec and Sangiovese, but they can taste very different from one another. Cabernet Sauvignon is often darker and more structured, Pinot Noir tends to be lighter and more delicate, while Syrah is known for richer fruit and spice. Part of the enjoyment of red wine is discovering which grapes, regions and styles suit your own taste, and we are always looking for bottles that offer plenty of character rather than simply following the biggest names.
What food pairs well with red wine?
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The easiest way to pair red wine with food is to think about the weight and intensity of both the wine and the dish. Fuller reds work particularly well with steak, lamb, game and slow cooked meats, while medium bodied wines are excellent with pasta, hard cheeses and richer tomato-based dishes. Lighter reds can be surprisingly versatile and work beautifully with roast chicken, mushrooms, charcuterie and even some richer fish dishes. There are no rigid rules, but matching a lighter dish with a lighter wine and a richer dish with something more structured is usually a very good place to start.
What are English red wines like?
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English red wine has become a fascinating part of the UK wine scene, and the styles are becoming increasingly varied. Our cooler climate can produce wines with bright fruit, fresh acidity and plenty of character, although the finished style depends greatly on the grape variety, vineyard and winemaker. Pinot Noir is probably the best-known red grape grown here, but English producers are also working successfully with varieties such as Rondo, Regent and Cabernet Noir. We love finding English wines that offer something distinctive and show just how much the quality and ambition of British winemaking has developed.
How should red wine be stored?
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For everyday storage, keep red wine somewhere cool, dark and away from large changes in temperature. A consistent temperature between around 12 and 18°C works well, particularly if you are keeping bottles for more than a few weeks. Bottles sealed with natural cork are generally best stored on their side, so the cork does not dry out. Direct sunlight, heat and constant vibration are best avoided, and if you are building a collection for longer term ageing, a wine fridge or proper cellar conditions are well worth considering.
What is the difference between dry and sweet red wine?
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The difference mainly comes down to how much residual sugar remains in the wine after fermentation. In a dry red wine, most of the grape sugar has been converted into alcohol, leaving very little sweetness behind. Sweet reds retain more sugar and therefore taste noticeably sweeter. It is also worth remembering that a wine can taste very fruity without actually being sweet. Flavours of ripe blackberry, cherry or plum can make a dry wine seem generous and rich even when there is very little residual sugar.
Do you offer free delivery on red wine orders?
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Free standard delivery is available on qualifying orders over £85, which can be particularly useful if you are ordering several bottles or putting together a case. Standard delivery is normally within 2 to 5 working days, while next day delivery is also available for eligible orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday. Free next day delivery is available on qualifying orders over £200. Delivery terms vary for some parts of the UK, so it is worth checking the delivery information when you place your order
Should red wine be served at room temperature?
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Not always. The idea of serving red wine at room temperature comes from a time when homes were generally much cooler than they are today. Lighter reds can be particularly enjoyable with a slight chill, while fuller wines usually show well at around 16 to 18°C. If a red feels heavy or overly alcoholic, it may simply be a little too warm. A short spell in the fridge before serving can make a surprising difference.
How long does red wine last once opened?
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Most red wines will stay enjoyable for around two to five days after opening, although the exact time depends on the wine. Replace the cork or use a stopper and keep the bottle in the fridge to slow down oxidation. Fuller, younger wines often last slightly longer than more delicate styles. Take the bottle out of the fridge a little before drinking it again so it has time to warm up slightly.
Does red wine need to breathe before drinking?
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Some red wines benefit from a little time in contact with air, particularly younger wines with firmer structure. Opening the bottle or pouring the wine into a decanter can help the aromas and flavours become more expressive. Not every wine needs it, though. We usually recommend tasting the wine when you first open it. If it seems a little closed or tight, give it some time in the glass and see how it develops.
What does the vintage on a bottle of red wine mean?
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The vintage tells you the year in which the grapes used to make the wine were harvested. Weather conditions vary from year to year, so vintage can influence the ripeness, freshness and overall character of a wine. Its importance varies depending on the region and producer, and a newer vintage is not automatically better or worse than an older one. It is simply another useful part of understanding how the wine was made.
Why do some red wines have sediment in the bottle?
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Sediment can naturally develop in some red wines, particularly older wines or bottles that have been made with minimal filtration. It is not usually a sign that anything is wrong with the wine. If you notice sediment, stand the bottle upright for a while before opening it and pour carefully. Decanting can also help separate the clear wine from any sediment left in the bottle.
What does oak ageing do to red wine?
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Oak can add both flavour and texture to red wine. Depending on the type of barrel and how long the wine spends in it, you may notice flavours such as vanilla, spice, cedar, toast or chocolate. Oak can also soften the wine and help different flavours come together over time. Not every red needs oak, though, and some wines are deliberately made without it to keep the fresh fruit character at the centre of the wine.
Can I buy red wine as individual bottles or by the case?
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Many wines in the collection are available as both individual bottles and cases of six, although the options vary by product. Buying a single bottle is ideal when you want to try something new, while ordering a case can be useful once you have found a favourite or when you are buying for a dinner, celebration or event. The available options are shown on each individual wine page.
