SOUTH EAST AUSTRALIA
Shiraz
Big, bold Shiraz likes nothing more to attach itself to pumped up flavours and often with big proteins too. The Little Giant is worthy of a big steak – preferably chargrilled on the barbecue with a heap of charred onions and perhaps a red wine gravy or jus if you want to be all Masterchef at home! Of course, it can go with more basic dishes like sausages and mash with an onion gravy, or if you are a vegetarian, stuffed mushroom with parmesan to help boost the umami factor.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Known as the noble grape, there’s one obvious protein choice for Cabernet Sauvignon and that’s lamb. The tannins in Cabernet love the fat in lamb, throw in some mint and rosemary and you are in foodie heaven! Of course, Cabernet goes with other meats too – particularly beef – or you could try it with some hard cheeses like a mature cheddar.