Complete Wine Guide

Whether you’re a beginner exploring wine or a regular buyer looking for better value, understanding grape varieties helps you choose confidently. This guide breaks down four of the world’s most popular wines, how they taste, when to drink them, and how to find great deals online, including on Splash Wines.

Pinot Noir: The Elegant, Food-Friendly Red

What Is Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is a light- to medium-bodied red wine known for elegance, complexity, and versatility. It’s famously difficult to grow, which makes quality bottles highly prized.

Taste Profile

Characteristic	Description
Body	Light to medium
Tannins	Low to moderate
Acidity	High
Flavors	Cherry, raspberry, strawberry, mushroom, earth, spice

Old World Pinot Noir (France/Burgundy) is earthy and subtle, while New World styles (USA, New Zealand) are fruit-forward and expressive.

Best Food Pairings

• Roast chicken or turkey

• Grilled salmon

• Mushroom risotto

• Soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert)

Who Should Drink Pinot Noir?

• Beginners transitioning from white to red wine

• Drinkers who dislike heavy, tannic reds

• Food-focused wine lovers

Buying Pinot Noir on Splash Wines

Splash Wines often offers premium Pinot Noir at discounted prices, including curated multi-bottle deals, ideal if you want to try different regions without overspending.

Riesling: The Most Versatile White Wine

What Is Riesling?

Riesling is a high-aroma white grape that ranges from bone-dry to very sweet, making it one of the most versatile wines in the world.

Taste Profile

Style	Common Notes
Dry	Green apple, lime, slate
Off-dry	Peach, apricot, honey
Sweet	Tropical fruit, citrus marmalade

Despite sweetness in some styles, Riesling always maintains bright acidity, keeping it refreshing, not syrupy.

Best Food Pairings

• Spicy Asian dishes (Thai, Indian, Chinese)

• Seafood and sushi

• Pork dishes

• Blue cheese (for sweeter styles)

Who Should Drink Riesling?

• White wine lovers who want variety

• Fans of aromatic wines

• Anyone pairing wine with spicy food

Riesling Deals on Splash Wines

Splash Wines frequently features German, Alsatian, and New World Rieslings at strong value prices, great for exploring dry vs sweet styles side by side.

Shiraz (Syrah): Bold, Powerful, and Intense

What Is Shiraz?

Shiraz (called Syrah in France) is a full-bodied red wine known for bold flavours, spice, and richness.

Taste Profile

Characteristic	Description
Body	Full
Tannins	Medium to high
Acidity	Medium
Flavors	Blackberry, plum, pepper, chocolate, smoke

Australian Shiraz is typically fruit-forward and bold, while French Syrah is more restrained and savoury.

Best Food Pairings

• Grilled steak

• BBQ meats

• Lamb chops

• Hard cheeses (cheddar, aged gouda)

Who Should Drink Shiraz?

• Fans of bold red wines

• Whiskey or bourbon drinkers entering wine

• Winter and cold-weather wine lovers

Why Buy Shiraz from Splash Wines?

Splash Wines is known for deep discounts on full-bodied reds, including premium Shiraz bundles, excellent for stocking up without paying retail prices.

Rosé: Fresh, Versatile and Year-Round

What Is Rosé Wine?

Rosé is made from red grapes with limited skin contact, giving it a pink hue and a taste profile between red and white wine.

Taste Profile

Style	Flavor Notes
Dry Rosé	Strawberry, citrus, herbs
Fruit-forward Rosé	Watermelon, raspberry
Sparkling Rosé	Fresh berries, crisp acidity

Contrary to popular belief, most quality rosé wines are dry, not sweet.

Best Food Pairings

• Salads and Mediterranean dishes

• Grilled vegetables

• Seafood

• Light pasta and cheese boards

Who Should Drink Rosé?

• Casual wine drinkers

• Summer and brunch lovers

• Anyone seeking an easy-drinking wine

Rosé Finds on Splash Wines

Splash Wines regularly curates Provence-style and New World rosés, often in limited-time offers, ideal for parties and gifting.

Pinot Noir vs Riesling vs Shiraz vs Rosé: Quick Comparison

Wine	Body	Sweetness	Best For
Pinot Noir	Light-Medium	Dry	Elegant meals, beginners
Riesling	Light	Dry–Sweet	Spicy food, versatility
Shiraz	Full	Dry	Bold flavors, meat dishes
Rosé	Light	Mostly dry	Casual, all-season drinking

Why Buy Wine from Splash Wines?

Splash Wines stands out for:

• Curated selections from top regions

• Significant discounts vs retail stores

• Mixed cases for easy exploration

• Regular limited-time wine deals

For wine lovers who want quality without paying premium prices, Splash Wines is a smart place to explore these varietals.

Tap here to shop the Splash Wines collection.

Final Thoughts

Pinot Noir, Riesling, Shiraz, and Rosé each offer distinct wine experiences, ranging from light and elegant to bold and powerful. Understanding their differences helps you drink smarter, pair better, and buy with confidence.

Pro Tip: If you’re experimenting or building a home collection, look for mixed cases on Splash Wines to compare styles side by side and maximise value.