Now, many are real red wine fan, a massive red wine fan. It is a very favourite tipple whatever the season. I have purchased many a bottle of red wines that have been too sweet, too dry (hairspray springs to mind) or even slightly flavourless. I have found Hardys to produce the ‘never fail to disappoint’ bottle consistently across their range.
Firstly let me give you a bit about Hardys themselves:
The founder of Hardys, Thomas Hardy, started wine production in 1853, In the time since they have seen 5 generations of the family involved in the company. Thomas purchased the Tintara Winery, Adelaide in 1876 and with his vision he brought the region prosperity and it is now very very well known for its Shiraz. Thomas Hardy is often known as ‘The father of the South Australian Wine Industry’.
Thomas had a vision to:
Create wines that will be prized in the markets of the world.
and the first vintage was bottled in 1867. Forward 160 years and the company has won a multitude of awards as their business goes from strength to strength. If this has piqued your interest, you can read all about their history. Their winemakers blending skills from different grape varieties and regions are showcased in their wines.
The wine I purchased today was Hardys Stamp Shiraz Cabernet 2017. Stamp is one of Hardys most recognised wine ranges and was one of the first to be exported from Australia.
On pouring, the wine has a wonderful deep blood red colour. It has aromas of fresh blackberries, a pleasant mixed spice and slight undertones of vanilla. The taste is medium bodied, I got sweet blackberry and plum with a hint of cherry and black pepper. It has a rounded juicy finish, very Moreish!
I would suggest using a large Bordeaux glass to get the best depth of smell and taste. This is an easily quaffable red, perfect for relaxing after a long day and for unwinding with. It would also pair perfectly well with red meat such as a lamb dish, steak or an earthy mushroom dish.
At around £5 per bottle it is easily affordable and widely available at supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys. For anyone suffering from red wine confusion as you stare blankly at the many bottles of wine in the shop, I would definitely recommend a good bottle of Hardys Stamp Chiraz Cabernet 2017. It most certainly does not disappoint!
