These two wines are the best version of a fine white and a rich red, ideal for elegant entertaining, a casual Friday night dinner or a relaxing night on the couch after a busy week, says editor Trudi Brewer. Read on to find a couple of our favourite wines that are not only delicious, but a great value buy.
DARK HORSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, $20.
Cabernet Sauvignon lovers will swear by this bold style of red wine. However, it is surprisingly tricky (and it’s sometimes costly), to find a good cab sav. But not with this delicious 2020 Dark Horse. It’s rich, dark, peppery and delicious thanks to the flavour of cherry and blackcurrant, but also decadently chocolatey - so it should be sipped slowly by a roaring fire. This is the perfect wine to round off the week, enjoyed with great friends. Finally, this red gets the heart-healthy tick, too, rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids to help reduce cholesterol - that’s a win, win right?
Rating: 19/20
Drink with: aged cheddar or aged gouda and crackers or crostini with a plum chutney.
Meal match: eye fillet, served medium rare, with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables.
DARK HORSE Chardonnay, $20.
The brand says this classic Chardy brings affordable luxury to any dinner table. We say it’s the best wine to have stashed in the fridge when your friends arrive for an impromptu dinner. For anyone who wants to be across one of the most popular wine varieties this winter, it’s chardonnay, and this is a great white buy. It’s made from crisp California grapes and has a summery fruity, tropical bite; think pineapple or white fleshy peaches.
Rating: 18/20
Drink with: nutty hummus with seeded crackers.
Meal match: serve with pan-fried seafood or fish and grilled vegetables.