Exploring the World of Wine, One Variety at a Time!

Welcome to your go-to guide for exploring the incredible world of wine, one grape variety at a time.

At Get Wines Direct, we’re all about making wine accessible, enjoyable, and a little bit educational. This blog is your invitation to discover what sets each variety apart—from bold Shiraz and elegant Pinot Noir to zesty Sauvignon Blanc and rich Chardonnay.

Each post takes you on a new adventure through flavour, origin, and style—unpacking the stories behind the grapes, where they thrive, how they’re made, and what foods they shine with. Whether you're just starting your wine journey or looking to expand your palate, you'll find something here to sip, savour and explore.

So grab a glass and come along—there’s a whole world of wine waiting to be uncovered.

The Essential Guide to Red Wine

Whether you’re pouring a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a rich Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s nothing quite like a good red wine to bring warmth, flavour, and character to the table. Bold yet versatile, red wines continue to be favourites among wine lovers across the globe—and Australia is no exception.

Types of Red Wine

Red wine is made from red wine grapes fermented with their skins, which gives it that iconic colour and depth.
Common varieties include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – bold, structured, and full of dark fruit and spice
• Shiraz – Australia’s signature style, rich with blackberries and pepper
• Merlot – soft, plummy and easy-drinking
• Pinot Noir – elegant, light, and earthy, grown best in cooler climates
• Cabernet Franc – savoury and herbaceous, often used in blends
• Grenache – juicy and spicy, often found in GSM blends
• Malbec, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel – increasingly popular for their bold flavours and unique regional expressions

You'll also find fortified wines like Tawny and Vintage Port, offering a sweet, concentrated finish to your red wine journey.

What is the Most Popular Red Wine?

Globally, Cabernet Sauvignon takes the crown, thanks to its power, ageing potential, and widespread appeal. In Australia, Shiraz holds a special place—bold, juicy, and iconic to our wine scene.

Does Red Wine Taste Good?

Absolutely—but taste is personal. From silky Pinot Noir to full-bodied Merlot, there’s a red to match every palate. Tasting notes can range from red berries and plums to tobacco, leather, spice, and dark chocolate, depending on the grape and how it’s made.

How Long Does Red Wine Last Once Opened—and Does it Go Off?

Yes, red wine can go off, developing a vinegary or flat taste when exposed to too much air. Most red wines will last 3–5 days once opened, depending on the variety and storage. To slow oxidation, reseal the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place—or even the fridge.

Do You Refrigerate Red Wine?

You don’t have to, but for opened bottles, refrigeration helps preserve freshness—especially for lighter reds like Pinot Noir. Just let it come back to room temp before serving. In warm climates, chilling heavier reds slightly before serving can also improve the drinking experience.

How Many Standard Drinks is a Glass of Red Wine?

In Australia, a 150ml glass of red wine typically contains 1.4 standard drinks, but it can vary depending on alcohol content. Always check the label to be sure.

Food Pairing for Red Wine

Red wine and food go hand in hand. No matter your meal, there's a red wine to match. Here’s a quick guide:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: steak, lamb, aged cheddar
• Shiraz: BBQ, burgers, roast meats
• Pinot Noir: duck, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes
• Merlot: pizza, pasta, roast chicken
• Grenache: spicy foods, charcuterie
• Cabernet Franc: herbed dishes, pork, veal

Our Recommended Red Wines

At Get Wines Direct, we stock a broad selection of red wines—from everyday favourites to premium drops worth cellaring. Whether you’re after something smooth and easy or rich and bold, we’ve got you covered with handpicked options from Australia and beyond.

Explore our collection of red wine today and discover the depth and diversity one glass at a time.

Why Shiraz is Australia's Most Famous Red Wine

Rich, bold and unmistakably Australian, Shiraz is our most famous red wine variety. It’s known for its deep colour, ripe fruit flavours and trademark peppery spice — the perfect match for everything from backyard BBQs to Sunday roasts.

What is Shiraz Wine?
Shiraz is a red grape variety that thrives in warm climates, producing full-bodied wines with flavours of dark berries, plum, chocolate and spice. It’s Australia’s flagship red and one of the most planted grape varieties in the country.

What Does Shiraz Taste Like?
Depending on where it’s grown, Shiraz can range from bold and rich to smooth and elegant. Warmer regions like the Barossa Valley produce powerful, concentrated wines with notes of blackberry, mocha and black pepper. Cooler regions like the Yarra Valley or Canberra District make lighter, more aromatic styles with red fruit and spice.

Australia’s Top Shiraz Regions

• Barossa Valley (SA): The heart of Australian Shiraz. Full-bodied, intense and deeply flavoured. Expect ripe blackberry, chocolate and spice.

• McLaren Vale (SA): Plush and generous, with dark fruit, liquorice and smooth tannins.

• Hunter Valley (NSW): Softer and medium-bodied, developing earthy, savoury notes as it ages.

• Heathcote (VIC): Deep in colour and flavour, with balance, structure and hints of pepper.

• Clare Valley (SA): Bright and aromatic Shiraz showing spice and juicy red fruit.

• Margaret River (WA): Refined and elegant, combining rich fruit with cool-climate freshness.

Food Pairing for Shiraz
Shiraz loves bold, hearty flavours. Try it with grilled steak, roast lamb, BBQ ribs, rich pasta dishes or aged cheddar. The structure and spice of Shiraz stand up beautifully to smoky, savoury and meaty foods.

What about “Syrah”?
In France and other cooler regions, the same grape is called Syrah. When it arrived in Australia in the 1830s, local winemakers adopted the name Shiraz, and the name stuck. Over time, it also came to describe the riper, fuller-bodied style that developed here under the Aussie sun. So while Syrah and Shiraz are technically the same grape, Shiraz has become a true Australian expression — bold, generous and full of character.

The Essential Guide to White Wine

From the zesty zip of Sauvignon Blanc to the rich layers of Chardonnay, white wine is loved for its freshness, versatility and endless variety. Whether you prefer something crisp and dry or fruity and lush, there's a grape variety and style to suit every palate.

Types of White Wine

There’s more to white wines than meets the eye. Here are some of the most popular and widely enjoyed styles:

• Sauvignon Blanc – vibrant and herbaceous, with citrus and tropical notes
• Chardonnay – ranging from lean and mineral to rich and oaky
• Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio – fresh and fruity or textural and aromatic, depending on the style
• Riesling – from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, always high in acidity
• Semillon – light and citrusy when young, with excellent ageing potential
• Sparkling White / Brut – including styles like Champagne, Prosecco, and Aussie sparkling blends
• Moscato – lightly sparkling and sweet, perfect for beginners
• Sweet white wine styles – often made from late-harvest or botrytised grapes, offering rich flavours and dessert-worthy finishes

Each of these varieties brings something unique to the glass—whether it’s freshness, fruit, texture or a balance of all three.

What is the Most Popular White Wine?

Globally and across Australia, Sauvignon Blanc consistently ranks as a favourite. Its punchy flavour and refreshing acidity make it a go-to for warm weather and casual sipping. Chardonnay follows close behind, offering a broader style spectrum from unoaked to buttery and full-bodied.

Do You Need to Aerate White Wine?

Generally, no—white wine doesn’t need aerating like red wines. However, some fuller-bodied whites like oaked Chardonnay or aged Semillon can benefit from a bit of air to open up their complexity. A gentle swirl usually does the trick.

How Many Calories in a Bottle of White Wine?

A standard 750ml bottle of white wine contains around 550–650 calories, depending on alcohol and sugar content. Sweet white wines like Moscato or late-harvest Riesling tend to have more calories than dry styles like Sauvignon Blanc.

How Long Does White Wine Last Once Opened?

Once opened, most white wines will stay fresh for 3–5 days if sealed and kept in the fridge. Lighter styles like Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc are best enjoyed within a day or two, while oaked whites may hold up a little longer.

What is the Driest White Wine?

Brut sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, and dry Rieslings are among the driest options out there. If you're after a crisp, mouth-watering style with minimal sweetness, these are your best bet.

Should White Wine Be Chilled Before Serving?

Yes—white wine should be served chilled, ideally between 7°C and 12°C depending on the style. Lighter varieties like Riesling and Pinot Gris benefit from cooler temps, while fuller whites like Chardonnay can be served slightly warmer to release more aroma and flavour.

Our Recommended White Wines

At Get Wines Direct, we stock a wide range of white wines to suit every occasion—from brut sparkling to Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. Whether you're after a dry drop to enjoy with seafood or a sweet white wine to serve with dessert, you'll find something to suit your taste and budget.

Explore our curated selection of white wines. 

Pinot Noir: The Light-Bodied Red Wine

Light, elegant and endlessly food-friendly, Pinot Noir is a favourite among wine lovers—and with good reason. Made from delicate Pinot Noir grapes, this red wine is known for its soft tannins, bright acidity and flavours of cherry, raspberry and subtle earthiness. It’s one of the most expressive and sought-after red wines, particularly when grown in cooler climates like Tasmania, the Yarra Valley, or Burgundy.

Pronounced “pee-noh nwahr”, this variety originates from France but is now grown across the world. Despite its pale colour, Pinot Noir is a red wine, not white. It’s often lighter-bodied than Shiraz or Cab, making it a great beginner’s wine for those just getting into reds. Wondering if Grenache is similar? While both are reds, Grenache is usually bolder and spicier, while Pinot is more refined and aromatic. One of the best things about Pinot Noir is how well it pairs with food. Think roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, and soft cheeses—it’s a versatile match for many Aussie meals.

At Get Wines Direct, we’ve handpicked a range of Pinot Noir wines—from approachable drops to expensive wines worth savouring. Whether you're just starting your journey or topping up the cellar, there’s a perfect bottle of Pinot Noir waiting for you here.

Our Guide to the World’s Most Versatile White Grape: Chardonnay

Versatile, expressive and found just about everywhere, Chardonnay wine is one of the most widely loved styles in the world—and for good reason. Whether it’s crisp and citrusy or rich and creamy, Chardonnay offers something for every palate.

So, is Chardonnay sweet or dry? Most are dry, especially those made in Australia, but the fruit-forward flavours (think peach, melon or pineapple) can give the impression of sweetness—especially in oaked styles.

Is Chardonnay a sparkling wine? It can be. Chardonnay is often used in the production of sparkling wines—including Champagne and many Australian sparkling styles—but more commonly, it’s enjoyed as a still white.

When it comes to cellaring, can you cellar Chardonnay wine? Absolutely—especially premium examples aged in oak. A quality Chardonnay from regions like Margaret River or Adelaide Hills can age beautifully for 5–10 years or more.

How long can you keep Chardonnay wine once opened? Ideally, drink it within 2–3 days. Keep it sealed and refrigerated to retain freshness.

What food pairs well with Chardonnay? That depends on the style. Lighter, unoaked Chardonnays pair well with seafood and salads, while fuller, oaked versions shine with roast chicken, creamy pasta, or grilled prawns.

Is Chardonnay a good wine? In a word—yes. It’s one of the most adaptable and rewarding white varieties around, offering excellent value across all price points.

At Get Wines Direct, we’ve curated a diverse collection of Chardonnay wines—from everyday favourites to cellar-worthy bottles. If you're looking for your next go-to white, start with our recommended Chardonnay wines and let your tastebuds lead the way. 

The Essential Guide to Pinot Grigio

Light, zesty and refreshingly easy to drink, Pinot Grigio is a go-to white wine for sunny afternoons, seafood dinners, or anyone after something crisp in the glass.

So, what is Pinot Grigio? It’s a white grape variety originally from Italy, known for producing dry, citrus-driven wines with hints of green apple, pear and lemon. It’s pronounced “pee-noh gree-joe”, and despite its name being similar to Pinot Noir, it’s not a red wine—it’s white, and very much loved for its clean, bright character. You may also come across Pinot Gris—same grape, but often made in a richer, more textured style, especially in France or some parts of Australia. Then there’s Pinot Blanc, another white grape, but completely different in flavour and weight.

Is Pinot Grigio a sweet wine? Generally no—it’s usually a dry Pinot Grigio, particularly the Italian-style versions we love here in Australia.

What food pairs well with Pinot Grigio? Think light and fresh: grilled fish, prawns, garden salads, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or creamy pasta. It’s a variety made for relaxed dining.

And in case you’re curious—yes, Pinot Noir is a good beginner’s wine too, but for whites, Pinot Grigio is a great starting point. At Get Wines Direct, we’ve lined up some top-notch Pinot Grigio wines to get you started. Discover your favourites, and enjoy the refreshing charm of this easy-drinking drop.

Pinot Gris vs. Pinot Grigio: What's the Real Difference?

Here’s a fun fact: Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are actually the same grape variety — a greyish-purple mutation of Pinot Noir. The name just changes depending on where and how it’s made.

Pinot Grigio is the Italian take. It’s usually light, crisp and refreshing, made to be drunk young. Think lemon, lime, pear and a touch of minerality. The wines are often dry, easy to sip, and perfect with seafood or salads. Most Australian “Pinot Grigio” wines are made in this lively, zesty style.

Pinot Gris, on the other hand, is the French version, mostly from Alsace. These wines tend to be richer, rounder and more full-bodied, with flavours of ripe pear, honeysuckle and spice. You’ll often find a touch of sweetness or a creamier texture, thanks to different winemaking techniques like longer skin contact or oak ageing.

In short:

• Pinot Grigio – Italian style, dry and crisp

• Pinot Gris – French style, fuller and more textured

Both come from the same grape, but the climate and winemaking approach make them taste worlds apart. Cool regions like Tasmania and Victoria often produce beautiful examples of both, giving Aussie drinkers the best of each style.

If you like something clean and refreshing, stick with Pinot Grigio. If you prefer a bit more body and richness, reach for Pinot Gris. Either way, you can’t go wrong — it’s one of the most versatile white varieties around.