Red Wine

This red wine NZ collection covers the grapes and styles we stock right now, including local Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot and blends. You'll find bottles from New Zealand and Australia, suited to different meals and occasions.

Picking Your Red by Grape and Style

Start with the grape. Pinot Noir like Amisfield Pinot Noir or Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir is lighter, cherry-forward, and suits salmon or duck. Syrah and Shiraz options such as Paritua Syrah or Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz bring peppery, dark fruit flavours ideal for red meat. Merlot like Oyster Bay Merlot is softer and plummy, good with pasta or roast pork. Blends like Villa Maria Earth Garden Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon balance body and softness, with Cabernet adding structure and tannin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does red wine last after opening?

Most red wine lasts three to five days after opening if recorked and kept somewhere cool and dark. Lighter reds like Pinot Noir fade sooner, while fuller reds like Shiraz often hold up well. Storing an opened bottle in the fridge slows oxidation, so let it warm slightly before pouring.

Should red wine be chilled?

Light reds like Pinot Noir benefit from 15 to 20 minutes in the fridge, served at 14 to 16C. Fuller reds like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon taste right slightly below room temperature, about 16 to 18C. Serving red too warm makes the alcohol taste harsh.

What is the difference between Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon?

Pinot Noir is light-bodied and fruity, with cherry and earthy notes. Shiraz, called Syrah in NZ and France, is bold and spicy with dark fruit and pepper. Cabernet Sauvignon is structured, with firm tannins and blackcurrant flavour, and often blended with Merlot.

What is the difference between Syrah and Shiraz?

Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape. Syrah is the French name, used in New Zealand for cooler-climate wines that are peppery and medium-bodied. Shiraz is the Australian name, usually for riper, richer wines with more dark fruit and higher alcohol.