The Cork Dork | Giggly Grapes

Mendoza Wine: The Argentine Region Behind Your Malbec

17/12/2023

Glass of Malbec with vineyards and the Andes behind

Mendoza makes two thirds of Argentina's wine in a desert fed by Andes snowmelt. What it tastes like, why altitude matters, and one bottle to start with.

Merlot Wine Guide: The Velvet Glove of the Wine World

11/12/2023

Bottle and glass of Merlot red wine with dark grapes and plums on a timber table

Soft, plush and unfairly mocked: what Merlot tastes like, how to serve it, the food it loves and a Yarra Valley bottle to try tonight.

Malbec Wine Guide: The Bold Adventurer

10/12/2023

Bottle and glass of deep purple Malbec with dark grapes and violets on a timber table

Born in France, made famous in Argentina: what Malbec tastes like, how to serve it, the food it loves and an organic Aussie blend to try tonight.

Gewürztraminer Wine Guide: The Perfumed Show-Off

10/12/2023

Glass and bottle of Gewürztraminer with pink grapes, lychees and rose petals

Lychee, roses and Turkish delight in a glass: what Gewürztraminer tastes like, how to serve it, why it loves curry, and the closest bottle you can buy in Australia tonight.

Chardonnay Wine Guide: The Shape-Shifter of Whites

10/12/2023

Bottle and glass of golden Chardonnay with green grapes and lemon on a timber table

Steely, buttery or sparkling, same grape: what Chardonnay tastes like, how to serve it, the food it loves and an organic Aussie bottle to try tonight.

Carignan Wine Guide: The Rustic Revivalist of the Vineyard

10/12/2023

Glass and bottle of Carignan with black grapes, rosemary and thyme

From ripped-out bulk grape to old-vine cult red: what Carignan tastes like, where it grows, how to serve it, and an organic Rhône blend to buy tonight.

Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Guide: The King of Reds

10/12/2023

Bottle and glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with dark grapes and blackcurrants on a timber table

The world's most planted red grape, minus the throne-room formality: taste, serving, food matches, famous labels and a Margaret River bottle to try tonight.

Baga Wine Guide: The Rustic Charmer of Portuguese Vineyards

10/12/2023

Glass and bottle of Baga with dark grapes, dried rose petals and a decanter

Portugal's answer to Nebbiolo: what Baga tastes like, why it needs a decade and a decanter, what to eat with it, and the closest bottle you can buy in Australia.

Aglianico Wine Guide: Italy’s Enigmatic and Ancient Vine

10/12/2023

Glass and bottle of Aglianico with black grapes, dried herbs and volcanic stone

The Barolo of the South: what Aglianico tastes like, why it needs a decanter and a roast, where Australia grows it, and the closest bottle you can buy tonight.

Hanepoot Wine Guide: The Sweet Surprise from the Vine

09/12/2023

Glass and bottle of golden Hanepoot with Muscat grapes and honey

South Africa's honey-pot grape: what Hanepoot (Muscat of Alexandria) tastes like, why it is a braai institution, what to eat with it, and a Muscat bottle to buy tonight.