There are a number of very decent red wines available on the supermarket shelves for less than $10 a bottle. It is recommended however, to steer clear of the majority of French wines at this price, and instead to opt for a new world variety such as a Chilean Merlot or Shiraz (Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere is a reliable favorite that is full of dark berry and chocolate flavours). Aregentinian Malbec or a well rounded Australian Cabernet/Shiraz blend are also dependable choices and if it’s Californian that you’re after then nothing beats Carmenet Cabernet Sauvignon for well rounded jammy notes and a peppery finish that belies it’s $7 price tag.

Decanting your Wine

Now that you have your wine, the next thing to do to release its potential is to decant it several hours before you intend to serve it and then leave it in a room temperature location (ideally between 62°F to 65°F). If you’re worried about leaving it uncovered then by all means lay a piece of muslin or netting over the opening. This will still allow it to breath and to begin to release all of its wonderful flavours as it rests in it’s new glass home. Choose a decanter that has a wide rim for extra impact and that ‘wow’ factor on the dining table or sideboard.

The Right Glass

Use large round goblet glasses with extra wide rims. These feel special and add even more to the psychological impact of the red wine to come. The wide rims also help to release even more of the aromas and flavours of the wine, allowing them to burst in your mouth as soon as they touch your lips.

Warming the Glasses

Warm the glasses slightly if they feel cold. As with your red wine, glasses should be room temperature or slightly above to fully accentuate the wine within them.

Choosing H'orderves

Provide a side order of salty ham slivers, mature cheeses and crackers if you’re serving the red wine before a meal, or without food, to compliment the rich fruitiness of the grapes and to enhance any subtle notes within your chosen variety.

The above advice can make all the difference in fooling your guests taste buds into believing that your $6 bargain bottle is in fact a $100 gem of a vintage.