2019 Antares Shiraz 75cl

Pour this when you want a bold red that doesn’t ask you to overthink it. 2019 Antares Shiraz is a Chilean Shiraz that shows up with juicy dark fruit, a little pepper, and enough grip to feel like a “proper” red without turning your mouth into sandpaper.

Shiraz is the grape here, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason. You get that generous fruit upfront, then the savoury spice rolls in and keeps things interesting. It’s a great pick for anyone building a red wine rotation beyond the usual Cabernet and Merlot.

• Appearance: Deep ruby, leaning toward purple at the rim.
• Nose: Black cherry and plum first, then a crack of black pepper and a hint of sweet spice.
• Palate: Ripe dark fruit with a softly spicy edge, medium tannins (so it still feels structured), and a dry finish that invites another sip.
• Body: Medium to full-bodied.
• Finish: Dark berries and pepper linger, with a gentle warmth that suits hearty food.

Food pairing: This is a yes with grilled steak, lamb koftas, or a smoky BBQ burger, and it’s also sneaky-good with mushroom pasta when you want something richer than Pinot Noir.

The best part about a Chilean Shiraz like this is how reliable it is for real-life drinking. It’s bold enough to handle spice and char, but friendly enough to pour on a random Tuesday without needing a special occasion.

If Malbec has been your go-to “easy red,” this is a natural next step. Similar dark-fruit comfort, but with a more peppery, savoury kick that makes it feel a bit more grown-up (without getting serious about it).

Give it a little air in the glass, even five minutes helps the fruit and spice open up. Then do the only responsible thing and put something on the grill, or at least order something that comes with fries.

Fun Fact: Shiraz is the same grape as Syrah, the name usually hints at a riper, more fruit-forward style, which is exactly the vibe this Chilean red brings.