FAQs 1 — The Taper Eatery Wine Club

1st October 2026 Red Wines from Around the World

All wines purchased from Fine Wine Delivery, Auckland who also generously provided tasting notes.

Pinotage South Africa’s signature cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It typically leans toward bright red berry fruit (strawberry, cherry) with fresh florals, paired with a rustic, slightly earthy or spicy edge and a crisp finish.
Flavor Profile: Strawberries, fresh currants, red cherry, ripe plum, cedarwood, and spice.
Weight: Lightest — Highlighted by bright red berries, fresh florals, a "finely tapered" finish, and high freshness ("salivating chalky edge").
Smells:Vibrant nose of rose petal, fresh currents, strawberries, cherry, and spice.
Tastes:The palate is bright with finely textured tannins, red cherry, strawberry, and ripe plums. The finish, lengthy, finely tapered and with a salivating chalky edge, leaving an after flavour of cedarwood and spice. Enjoy now or age for the next three to five years.

Tempranillo The flagship red grape of Spain (and Rioja), producing smooth, medium-to-full-bodied wines. It features flavors of red berries, cherry, and plum, and integrates exceptionally well with oak aging to show off vanilla, spice, and leather.
Flavor Profile: Cherry, raspberry, plum, vanilla, cocoa, and sweet baking spice.
Weight: Medium-Light to Medium — Described as "smooth, supple," and driven by juicy red fruit with gentle oak integration and classic elegance.
Smells:Bright and perfumed aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry and black plum rise from the glass, layered with subtle hints of vanilla, sweet baking spice and soft cedar from gentle oak influence. A delicate floral lift and whisper of cocoa add further intrigue.
Tastes: Smooth, supple and beautifully balanced. Juicy red berries and plum glide across the palate, supported by fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. Notes of vanilla, cocoa and gentle spice weave through the fruit, finishing long, silky and effortlessly drinkable with a classic Rioja charm. Enjoy now through 2027, ideally alongside grilled meats, tapas, roast chicken or a selection of Manchego and cured meats. Serve slightly below room temperature at 16–18°C to highlight its freshness and elegance.

Sangiovese (Primary grape in Chianti) Italy's signature red grape, known for its high acidity and firm tannins ("crunch factor"). It offers vibrant red cherry and dark fruit flavors supported by herbal, earthy, liquorice, and dried-leaf notes.
Flavor Profile: Blueberries, blackberries, red fruit, brown spices, forest floor, liquorice, and tobacco leaves.
Weight: Medium — Driven by high acidity and firm tannins ("crunch factor"), featuring intense dark/red fruit and earthy flavors with a driving palate.
Smells: often European wines can show less fruit, not here, abundant blueberries, blackberries and cedar aromas persist on the nose, enhanced by crushed thyme and sandalwood notes.
Tastes: the palate has juicy fruit, laced together by the salivating tannin/acid comb, giving drive, energy, and drinkability. Dark and red fruit flavours, brown spices, forest floor, liquorice and fresh tobacco leaves persist on the palate. This wine has a serious crunch factor that is enticing and leaves you wanting more. Drinking now over the next few years. Perfect with pasta and cheese. The recommended serving temperature is 15-17 degrees.

Pinot Noir A thin-skinned grape that typically produces lighter-bodied, highly aromatic red wines. It is characterized by bright red-to-dark berry fruit, high acidity, elegant floral notes, and earthy or savory undertones.
Flavor Profile: Ripe plum, blackberry, anise, liquorice, cloves, violets, and a chocolatey backbone.
Weight: Medium-Full — While Pinot Noir is typically lighter, Central Otago produces intensely concentrated styles; this bottle is "generous" with a deep black-fruit core, chocolatey backbone, and savory structure.
Smells: Deep plum opening to bright aromatics of blackberry and black cherry infused with anise, liquorice, cloves and violets.
Tastes: Silky and inviting on entry, with ripe plum and blackberry supported by a savoury, chocolaty backbone. Fine-grained tannins and mineral acidity bring structure and energy, leading into a long, balanced, silky finish with outstanding focus. Elegant yet generous, with the structure to develop beautifully through 2029. Will pair beautifully with mushroom dishes, pasta and game meats. The recommended serving temperature is 13-15 degrees.

Malbec Known for its deep purple color and plush texture, Malbec delivers bold dark fruit (plums, blackberries) alongside distinct savory notes like leather, smoke, cocoa, and subtle floral violet aromas.
Flavor Profile: Dark plums, violets, smoky/meaty notes, and spice.
Weight: Full-Bodied & Rich — Described as "flavour-packed" with a "creamy fashion" and heavy savory/smoky characteristics.
Smells: As always, super impressive with plenty of smoky, meaty, spice driven complexity underpinned by dark plums and violets.
Tastes: Everything on the nose repeats of the palate in a flavour-packed, creamy fashion. As always red meats are the order of the day with this little number so enjoy with your favourite BBQ creations now and through 2029 and for optimal drinking pleasure serve at 16-17 degrees.

Shiraz (Syrah) A full-bodied red grape famous for producing dark, power-packed wines with deep black-fruit flavors (blackberry, plum), heavy texture, and rich secondary notes of black pepper, spice, and dark chocolate.
Flavor Profile: Blackberry, dark plum, mocha, spice, vanilla, and anise.
Weight: Heaviest / Most Concentrated — Described as a "succulent and concentrated palate" of black fruits with rich mocha and oak accents, delivering heavy impact.
Smells: Enticing blackberry, dark plum, mocha, spice and vanilla draw you into the glass.
Tastes: A succulent and concentrated palate of black fruits criss crosses your palate with subtle secondary flavours of mocha, vanilla, spice and anise adding to its charm. Silky smooth tannins give traction and balance as it wends to a delicious finish. Ideal for chargrilled meats or pasta... and great by itself! Drinking well now until 2030+.