If the weather predictions are correct, Christmas is looking to be a warm one for many of us around the country and for red wine lovers, this is the perfect opportunity to break the rules and chill your red wine. Yes, you read correctly….chill your red wine!
Take, for instance, Jam Shed Shiraz and Jam Shed Red Blend. Both of these uncomplicated and delicious wines show their best attributes when cooled down a touch, making them perfect for summer sipping. Sporting smooth, rich and fruit-driven profiles, Jam Shed wines are crafted for people who simply want to enjoy a quality drop at an affordable price all year around. The Jam Shed range also prides itself on being easy drinking, making it an excellent introduction to red wine for new wine drinkers.
“Red wine is often misunderstood, and a common myth is that reds should be served at room temperature. Chilling wine allows the flavours to become focused, with the alcohol less evident and the structure tighter. Additionally, wines that are particularly fruit-forward can get lost when they are enjoyed too warm,” says Alison Baker, Jam Shed winemaker.
“Experiment with chilled reds over summer – whether it be serving Spanish-style Sangria or cooling down your favourite bottle of red in an ice bucket. Appreciating wine shouldn’t be complicated and there is no right or wrong way – just find what you enjoy best”.
Jam Shed Chill Out
Chilling a bottle of red can be done in one of three ways – in the fridge, in the freezer or in an ice bucket. Each method will determine how quickly the wine takes to reach its ideal temperature. The fridge takes around 2.5 hours for red wine to reach its ideal temperature of 12°. In the freezer, it takes about 40 minutes.
If you’re short on time, a simple bath in salted water (add regular table salt) with ice will work quickly. Make sure to fully submerge the wine bottle once the salted water and ice mixture are all set. In about 10 minutes or less, your wine will be ready to enjoy.
Tip: Be careful not to chill for too long, as when it comes to red wine, serving it too cold will make it slightly acidic.
Jam-packed with flavour, Jam Shed wines are sourced from vineyards across South-Eastern Australia, predominantly the Riverland region in South Australia. Jam Shed wines have been inspired by the prestigious Jam Shed that played an essential role in developing both jam and wine production in the region for over 100 years. With a climate of endless sunshine, the Riverland area provides ideal conditions for ripe fruit flavours, creating juicy, mouth-watering wines with generous varietal characters.
Jam Shed wines are available now in Liquorland, First Choice and independent retailers nationally at RRP $13.00
Jamgria recipe:
Entertaining is all about the outdoors this summer, so what better way to kick off the garden party or picnic than with a Jam Shed Sangria (aka Jamgria).
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of Jam Shed Shiraz
- Oranges (sliced)
- Lemon (sliced)
- 1 cup of frozen berries
- 100ml maple syrup
- 1 cup of frozen berries
- 500ml lemonade or soda water
- 100ml brandy (you can make sangria without brandy or sub it for another liqueur that you have on hand. Triple Sec and Grand Marnier are both popular choices)
- Plenty of ice
Method:
1. Add orange, lemon, frozen berries, maple syrup, red wine, lemonade, and brandy (optional) to a carafe.
2. Stir until the maple syrup is fully dissolved and all ingredients have mixed thoroughly.
3. For best results, allow mixture to stand in fridge for a few hours, or overnight to allow flavours to develop.
4. Add ice, then pour mixture in jam jars.
5. Add more ice and fruit to your glass as needed.