Sometimes what you really want is familiarity, consistency, and simplicity. Like the comfort foods that we often turn to as the holidays approach, there are some wines that also fit this description. These are wines that are made to be consistent crowd-pleasers. They create a simple background for the meals, conversations, and festivities to take center stage. That’s why today, I’m writing about crowd-pleasing Shiraz.

Rosemount Estates was founded in 1974 and is still just as popular in its native Australia as it is internationally. Their wines have always been intentionally unpretentious, easygoing, and lushly flavorful. They are also well-priced for anytime enjoyment, or pleasing a crowd. Their Diamond Label wines are the most widely known and are made for immediate enjoyment – no pretension.

My review of Rosemount Estate Diamond Label Shiraz, South Australia

This deep inky hued wine has the classic Shiraz aromas of blueberry, black pepper, and a touch of smokey incense. Flavors of cocoa, plum, blueberry, clove, and other baking spices abound. The mouthfeel is lush and velvety; juicy but without much perceptible acidity. At “only” 13.5% ABV, it is made to please, not to overwhelm.

A wine this rich would overwhelm all but the most hearty dishes. Also, with lower acidity, it could easily feel flabby on the palate if served with acid-bright foods. Stick with braised meats, barbecue, and bacon (of the shiitake mushroom variety, if vegetarian). The back label also recommends a good strong cheddar – worth a try!

This is not fine wine, nor does it pretend to be. I recommend this wine for what it is… a familiar crowd-pleasing Shiraz that will be very easy on the wallet (average $8/bottle). And, in my opinion, a giant leap above some other similarly priced Australian wines with fuzzy critters on their labels. There is a time and place for everything – it’s always good to know some reputable producers continue to uphold their promises.

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Annette Tomei

Chef, Wine Educator & Culinary Consultant at Wander, Eat and Tell

Annette Tomei is a chef, educator, writer, and cultural tourism consultant. She has a Master of Arts in Gastronomy and extensive education in wine and spirits including Italian Wine Scholar with Highest Honors. She is a classically trained chef and former restaurant owner. As a sought-after cooking instructor, she has created popular Port to Table cooking classes for Holland America and has contributed to several food books including Culinary Careers for Dummies. She currently works as a food, wine and spirits educator and consultant though her company, Wander, Eat and Tell. Learn more at http://wandereatandtell.com.

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