Michelle Lawlor is one of Ireland’s leading wine experts, and has tasted hundreds of red wines to find the most velvety red wines on the market. Whilst some wines are for celebrations, and others are for everyday sipping, velvety reds are the ultimate companion for autumn evenings.
These are wines that are rich and complex, and always leave you wanting more. Think of them as the perfect blend of comfort and character.
Each wine has a unique personality, and we adore them all! So much so that it is very hard to pick a favourite. From the bold rebel to the timeless classic, each wine tells its own story and has its own sense of place. And to make it even better, they all have their own unique perfect food pairing. So, which velvet red resonates with you?
The Rebel: Abadia Acon Roble, Ribera del Duero, Spain €20.85
Some play it safe with Rioja, while others love to stand out. If you challenge the rules and add your own twist, you’re a fit for Abadia Acon Roble. This 100% Tempranillo hails from Ribera del Duero, Spain’s cheekier and ballsy, bigger cousin to Rioja. It’s smoky, full-bodied, and unapologetically daring.
Food match: Acon goes great with roast beef, braised short ribs, or a cheeseboard. Try it with Manchego and chorizo for a tasty combo. It’s a dinner party hit that shows off your taste and flair.
The Storyteller: Kloof Street Red Blend, Swartland, South Africa €24.95
Every group has a friend who tells the best stories. In wine, that’s Kloof Street from South Africa’s Swartland. Mullineux’s award-winning winemaking team has created this standout red. They’ve won many awards, including “Winery of the Year,” showcasing South Africa’s fine wine.
The wine is juicy and generous, featuring Syrah at its core, along with Grenache and other Rhône grapes. It is an elegant wine, with refined red fruits and spice: there is a story in every sip.
Food match: Try it with lamb chops, Moroccan tagine, or a hearty bean stew. This wine is food-friendly, people-friendly, and full of character.
The Life of the Party: Nero di Troia, Puglia, Italy €19.50
Loud, fun, and impossible not to love – that’s Nero di Troia from Puglia. This is the friend who keeps the music playing and the glasses full. In the glass, it’s dark and bursting with rich black fruit. The smooth tannins and bold flavours create a crowd-pleaser.
Food match: Try Nero di Troia with barbecue ribs, spicy sausage pasta, or hearty vegetarian meals like aubergine parmigiana. It’s the go-to wine for pizza night—the ultimate party choice.
The Classic: Roche Audran ‘Copains’, Languedoc, France €17.75
Some things in life never go out of style. If you are both charming and reliable, Copains from the South of France is your Velvet Red. This Merlot-dominant blend is soft and round and juicy, with a gentle structure and ripe fruit. It’s the wine you want for gatherings; it doesn’t shout; it simply charms.
Food match: Enjoy it with roast chicken, shepherd’s pie, or Friday night pizza. Copains is all about comfort food done right. Like a great black dress, it’s always the perfect choice.
The Trendsetter: Bedoba Saperavi, Kakheti, Georgia €23.95
Every friend group has someone who spots trends first. In wine, that’s Bedoba Saperavi from Georgia. This region is the birthplace of wine, with a history of over 8,000 years. Right now, Bedoba is the coolest bottle in Ireland. It pours nearly black, rich with blackberry, cherry, and spice. It’s bold, velvety, and full of fun.
Food match: It goes great with slow-cooked lamb, hearty stews, or rich dark chocolate desserts. Bedoba proves that being trendy can also mean having substance.
Maybe you’re a Rebel one week and a Classic the next. Perhaps you’re always the Life of the Party or ready to be a Trendsetter. There’s a Velvet Red for every mood, meal, and Friday night. Why go out when the best nights are at home, red wine in hand?
Photography by Unsplash.
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