Discover the Rhône Valley, one of France's great wine regions, renowned for Syrah in the north and expressive blends in the south, producing wines ranging from elegant and peppery to rich and spicy.
Choose a fresh, medium-bodied red for steak and ale pie, textured Chardonnay for creamy chicken and mushroom, and dry sparkling wine or fresh Chardonnay for fish pie. For blue cheese, try Sauternes or sweet Chenin Blanc.
A lightly oaked Chardonnay is one of the most reliable wines for roast chicken. Its fresh acidity, moderate body and subtle oak complement crispy skin and juicy meat without overpowering the dish. Pinot Noir and dry Chenin Blanc are excellent alternatives.
Syrah and Shiraz are two names for the same dark-skinned red grape. It typically produces dry, full-bodied wines with flavours of blackberry, plum, black pepper and spice. It is most famous in the Rhône Valley and across Australia, where styles range from elegant and savoury to rich and powerful.
Grape Guide•7 min read
A note worth opening
One useful wine idea, occasionally.
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