How To Spice Up Your Friday Night Drinks

WHAT TO DRINK
So what’s the expert drinking this Friday night, you ask? He’s cracking open a 2019 PS by Boaz Wines (a pinot noir and savagnin blend) which hovers between light and punchy. For recent vino converts, Joel suggests finding things you like in wine and seek them out on the label. If you like oaky chardonnay (he doesn’t, but you might), then get involved! And to experienced drinkers, he says, “try new things! Some of the best wines in Australia are being made (and drunk) by both women and men in their twenties.” It’s an old man’s game no longer. Venture beyond your usual chardonnay or merlot to lesser-known varietals like vermentino or cabernet franc.

HOW TO DRINK IT
Asking for a friend: do we really need to swirl our wine? Joel was diplomatic. 

“It’s important that everyone enjoys wine with whatever drinking technique they’re comfortable with.” Scientifically speaking, he tells us, swirling does allow more oxygen into the wine which releases aromatic compounds, making your wine smell BIGGER, BETTER. So swirl away, but no need to be grandiose about it. A simple glass-on-the-table swirl will do. 

WHAT TO EAT
Since we're all about consuming a drop responsibly, we suggest a snack pairing like a charcuterie board, deli-style chips, or opt for Joel’s go-to, gildas. Think Spanish tapas from Europe 2016: juicy anchovies, olives, and hot green chillis threaded on a skewer. Very spicy.

WHAT TO WEAR
Your Friday night best! When else would you get the chance, anyway? Even if the top half of your outfit says ‘FUN’, we’ll take it. It’s all a part of the virtual ‘wine night’ experience. 

HOW TO REMEMBER WHAT YOU DRANK
Download this score sheet to record each wine, how they tasted, and how you really felt about them… It’s mindfulness, no? If that’s a little too involved, get someone else to run a tasting for you. In case you’re salivating, @DRNKS delivers organic and biodynamic wine all over Australia, as well as running tastings. Delish! We also love @downtoawineart @tractorlessvineyard and @keithtullochwine for wine tasting. Sip, sip.