As part of the Central England Co-Operative’s “We like Wine” blog, today I’ll be reviewing the 2012 Wirra Wirra Church Block red wine. This bottle is from McLaren Vale, Australia and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (49%), Shiraz (35%) and Merlot (16%) – so there’s plenty going on!
First impressions – it has a very strong, full bodied aroma that’s packed full of fruity notes. Even before drinking you get the impression this is a wine to be mulled over and sipped.
You can easily pick up that this red was matured in oak barrels when drinking - this makes up part of its intense flavour. This is also quite a sour wine which makes it overall quiet potent – luckily though, not in an unpleasant way.
I’d therefore recommend this wine with strong cheeses like stilton. One that comes to mind that would be perfect is Shropshire blue. For a main meal I’d recommend pork, or my Chicken wrapped in Parma ham recipe would be a perfect match with its combinations of cream cheese and ham.
This probably isn’t a wine you’d enjoy so much on a hot summers day due its full body, but more of an evening wine with dinner or canapés. I can especially see myself appreciating a glass of the Church Block as autumn draws in.
Currently you can buy this for £12.99 at the Co-op. It’s more moderately priced but I feel it can go a long way. In my experience it’s positively one of the most unique tasting wines I’ve tasted from Australia and it has good legs at 14.5% volume.
In conclusion, this is a great bottle of red if you’re looking for something to drink with a substantial meal or with canapés and cheeses - a perfect wine to enjoy with friends or family.
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