Red is well ahead: Islanders prefer red wine

When given the choice between a glass of crisp white wine, or a glass of luscious red, more people in Jersey are opting for the red.

A new study of islanders’ drinking habits has found 68% of people in Jersey prefer red wine.

The independent survey, questioned over 170 people about their drinking habits and preferences. Red wine came out overwhelmingly as the most popular drink, with 82% of men, and 55% of women questioned saying it was their favourite type of wine.

Red wine has so many different flavours, weights, and tannin levels, that there is something for almost every taste.

From silky French Pinot, to robust Argentinian Malbec, peppery South African Syrah, to berry-like Spanish Tempranillo, every grape, and every region has its own particular characteristics.

Here are five delicious Love Wine reds to try this month.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Geoff Merrill Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, £23.95

Coonawarra is one of Australia’s best regions for Cabernet Sauvignon, and this complex, well balanced red is no exception. With aromas of methol, chocolate and cedar, and earthy, leather and vanilla notes, this full-bodied wine is great with lamb.

Merlot

Michael Lynch Bordeaux Organic Red, £9.95

Intense purple hues give just an indication of the blackcurrent and black cherry aromas you will get from this organic wine from the Lynch-Bages stable. Smooth tannins are typical of good Bordeaux Merlot, while the flavoursome finish is testimony to Jean-Michel Cazes skills as a winemaker.

Tempranillo

Bodegas Protos Gran Reserva, £45

Aged for two-years in French oak barrels, followed by a further three years in the bottle, this deep cherry red wine is one of the finest examples of Tempranillo on the market. With intense aromas of ripe fruit and cocoa, toast, and liquorice, Protos Gran Reserva is an elegant match for game, cured meats, and strong cheese.

Zinfandel

Peter Franus Napa Valley Zinfandel, £26.50

A fusion of cherry, blackberry, toasted oak, and white pepper, this Napa wine is a characteristic Zinfandel. Big and full of flavor, this red is a great match with steaks, game, or a BBQ.

Syrah

Jordan The Prospector Syrah, £13.95

Named after the gold prospectors who came to the gravel lands of Stellenbosch in the 1800s, this dark chocolate and black fruit wine has the minerality of the fynbos. Gary and Kathy Jordan are some of South Africa’s most awarded wine makers, with Prospector taking Outstanding Silver at the IWSC in 2014.