As the temperature continues to drop, we are certainly feeling the chill of winter and not sure if we are loving it.

Many restaurants in The Rocks serve some of the finest wines, making sure you enjoy your meal to the fullest.

However, we have found the perfect match for different types of red wines, whether rich, full-bodied or textured to warm you up and help you wind down this winter.

At Zahli, our extensive menu means that we serve a diverse range of red and white wines that you can choose from, without compromising the taste of any element of a Lebanese feast.

Are you a wine connoisseur? Or are you the person that has no clue about wine and just chooses whatever is recommended? Whichever category you fit into, we have put together a winter guide to the best wines at Zahli restaurant located in The Rocks.

You may want more than one glass, maybe even the whole bottle after we entice you with some of our favourites.

The Rocks Restaurants Serving Up The Best Red Wines

There are hundreds of different varieties of red wine grapes, therefore producing a range of tasty red wines. With the many different fancy names, it is sometimes hard to remember what each one stands for, and how to best enjoy each of them. We are going to break down some of our most popular red wines and pair them with some of our famous Zahli dishes.

Sensational Shiraz 

Shiraz in Australia is one of the most popular choices for many and is made in many different styles, whether you enjoy a more light and fruity option to a denser and tarry one, Shiraz has you covered.

Shiraz is one of the earliest varieties that was brought into Australia and can be classified as our iconic grape. This particular wine carries a more medium to full-bodied flavour depending on the region, climate and technique. You can find a variety of Shiraz in some of the best restaurants in The Rocks. Be sure to treat yourself to one the next time you indulge in a meal.

“With vineyards dating back to 1843, Australia has the world’s oldest Shiraz vines still in production” – Wine Australia 

At Zahli, one of our favourite Shiraz’s on the menu is the Kinkelwood Wild Red, close to home, produced in Hunter Valley NSW. This particular wine is vibrant and garnet in colour. Presenting a range of enticing aromas of fresh cherries and crushed violets. It is easy to drink medium bodied wine, fresh and lively in flavour, enjoyed on its own or of course alongside a delicious meal.

How do I drink Shiraz? Shiraz is best accompanied with roasted or grilled lamb, strong hard cheese, barbequed meats or grilled/roasted beef. Our top picks from our menu, include Lahem mishwee (grilled meats), a chargrilled tender lamb marinated in mixed spices, served with chilli bread or the amazing mixed grill including a combination of kafta, lahem mishwee and shish tawook.

Captivating Cabernet Sauvignon

This particular wine is a modern Australian classic, dating back to the mid-1800s. It has a medium to full-bodied flavour and is a rich, ripe and opulent wine. Typical flavours in Cabernet Sauvignon include blackcurrant, blackberry, mulberry and cedar.

It a classic red wine and is quite fruity and dry with a fairly bold flavour. This wine can easily overpower some more delicate flavours. Although Cabernet Sauvignon is typically enjoyed with red meat, anything with a strong earthy flavour will pair well with this wine. Olives, mushrooms and cheese also pair perfectly with Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy this wine at some of the best The Rocks restaurants and at our very own, Zahli.

Our top Zahli picks include:

• Shawarma Lamb
• Mansaf Lamb
• Kousa

These dishes all encompass a strong earthy flavour and the perfect choice for a winter comfort meal.

Magnificent Merlot 

Soft, smooth and spectacular. Merlot is a classic red wine stape that has been around for many centuries, regarded as the pinnacle of famous red wines.

The primary characteristics of red wine include:

• Red fruits such as black cherry, raspberry and plum
• Graphite
• Cedar
• Vanilla
• Clove
• Mocha

Merlot is quite a smooth wine and has a soft finish, due to how the wine is vinified and the area in which it is grown. This particular wine matches with a range of different foods as it is quite an adaptable one. Generally, Merlot pairs well with chicken and lightly spiced meats. This wine has a medium tannin and little acidity, which is why it is well paired with many foods.

At Zahli, one of the best restaurants in The Rocks, we love the Dutschke. It is a 2013 Merlot from Barossa Valley SA. It is a wonderful take on Merlot with a fragrant and spicy flavour packed with red fruits. We recommend enjoying this wine with any of our hot or cold mezza’s as well as our shawarma chicken or shish tawook.

Fun Fact: the most sought after and expensive wine Petrus, Pomerol has an average price of $2860! Crazy. 

Perfect Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is famous for the love of cooler climates. This particular wine has a dry, complex and more mild and acidic flavour in comparison to other red wines. Its flavours emerge from ripe red berries, sweet black cherries and tannins.

Pinot Noir is perfect with a slice of lighter red meat and even pairs well with an oily fish. Paringa Estate, one of Zahli’s favourites, is a complex and perfumed wine with depth a vitality. We recommend drinking this wine with any of our seafood options such as the Samki Harra, a seared barramundi or our delicious whiting. Also pairs well with Kafta or our Mansaf Lamb.

Make sure to order the perfect Pinot Noir next time you visit Zahli, one of the best restaurants in The Rocks.

We hope this guide has helped you understand more about red wines, and will assist you to make a perfect choice next time you visit Zahli, our restaurant in The Rocks.

The perfectly chosen wine paired with scrumptious Lebanese flavours will take you on an unforgettable journey.

Book your seat at Zahli and we will guarantee you a tasty winter treat. Call us on 9318 2228.