The STELLAR X Centra Wines We Love Club: How To Find Your Perfect Red

STELLAR Promotion: Wine expert Nadia El Ferdaoussi is taking the hassle out of choosing the perfect bottle!

The Centra Wines We Love range

Do you know your Malbecs from your Tempranillos? Your Shiraz from your Syrah? This month we delve deeper into the world of red wine and take a closer look at a few of our faves.

The Wines We Love range at your local Centra has taken the hassle out of choosing a bottle. With easy-to-read labels, expert tips on the shelves and an affordable price tag, shopping for a new wine just got even more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned red drinker or a total novice, there’s something to suit every palate in the line up.

Tempranillo has always been a crowd pleaser and anyone wanting to drink organic will love the Rock & Roots offering. At only €9, this deep cherry red wine is bursting with dark forest fruit flavours and is perfectly paired with red meat, game or pâté. While the Spanish grape is a hit all year-round, the vanilla and spicy notes of Tempranillo come into their own during winter. It’s a real crowd pleaser at Christmas parties – so don’t rock up without picking up a bottle from your local Centra on the way.

For long standing fans who want to try something a little different, why not go for a blend? Vega Roja’s Tempranillo Shiraz, just €8, offers the best of both varieties. It’s got rich plum and blueberry flavours with a hint of spice, it’s totally moreish. Open a bottle on pizza night or try it with your Sunday roast. And in response to my earlier question? Shiraz and Syrah are actually the same grape, just with two different names used in different parts of the world.

If there were a red wine equivalent to Sauvignon Blanc in terms of popularity in Ireland over the last few years, it would definitely have to be Malbec. The grape mostly grows in Argentina and gives a freshness which isn’t as common in some other red wines. YAMANA, also only €9 a bottle in Centra, has the inky dark colour you’d expect in a Malbec, with really smooth tannins, so you’re not left with an overly dry feeling in your mouth. This one is a great alternative to Italian wines if you’re cooking pasta, especially with tomato based sauces. Add a splash to spag bol or serve with lasagne and cheesy garlic bread on a cosy night in.

A couple of French reds round off the Wines We Love offering. Traditional wine lovers must try the elegant Rasteau Cellier De Monterail, a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, priced at €12. The deep red colour and ripe red fruit aroma of this wine is intense and the taste is smooth and well balanced, the flavour lingering for just long enough after each sip. Perfect matched with lamb cooked with thyme and vegetables, but also with dark chocolate desserts, great for a dinner party if you’re having friends over.

It’s no surprise that Chocolate Moose Carignan, €10, is the perfect pour with a bar of high percentage cocoa chocolate in front of the TV or curled up by the fire. It is rich and spicy, powerful yet smooth and really easy to drink. In fact, it’s the perfect bottle to use if you fancy making mulled wine. Of course you can use any red wine you like to mull, this one works really well though, with its fruity red berry character and hints of vanilla. Here’s what you’ll need and simple steps to create a festive hot drink for six…


WIN! A CENTRA SHOPPING SPREE

To celebrate the festive season, we’re giving away 5 €100 vouchers for you to try the Centra Wines We Love range, not to mention the Inspired by Centra cheese selection, crackers, relish – the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine!

To win, just answer the following question:

What happens to the colour of red wine as it ages?

A) It gets lighter

B) Nothing

C) It gets darker

Text STELLAR1 followed by your answer, name and address to 53307 (ROI)

T&Cs: €1.00 per text. Network charges vary. 18+. Lines close midnight January 14th 2020. SP Phonovation Ltd. Helpline 0818 217 100. Prizes are non-transferable. No cash or other alternative. Vouchers can be used in any Centra store in Ireland only. Not for use online.

Find out more about the Centra Wines We Love range here – and pick up a copy of STELLAR every month for more on our STELLAR X Centra Wines We Love Club!

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