Introduction: Delving into the Intriguing World of 19 Crimes Wine
Ah, 19 Crimes wine – a brand that has masterfully woven together history, intrigue, and exceptional taste. More than just a bottle of wine, each vintage tells a story of rebellion, survival, and the harsh realities faced by those exiled to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries. If you’re new to the world of 19 Crimes or simply looking to deepen your appreciation, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to fully enjoy this captivating wine.
Step 1: Understanding the History Behind the Label
Before you even pop the cork, take a moment to understand the rich history that 19 Crimes embodies. The brand pays homage to the 19 crimes that could get a person transported from Britain to Australia. These weren’t petty offenses; they ranged from grand larceny and forgery to more serious crimes. Each bottle features a rogue from the past, and their stories are readily available through the Living Wine Labels app.
Why is this important? Knowing the history adds depth to your tasting experience. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about connecting with the lives and struggles of those who came before us. Consider it a mini history lesson with every sip.
Step 2: Selecting the Right 19 Crimes Wine for Your Palate
19 Crimes offers a diverse portfolio of wines, each with its unique character. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
- 19 Crimes Red Blend: This is the flagship wine, known for its bold, fruit-forward flavors and smooth finish. It’s a blend of primarily Shiraz, Grenache, and Mataro (Mourvèdre), making it a versatile choice for various dishes.
- 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon: A more structured wine with notes of dark berries, cedar, and vanilla. Perfect for those who prefer a drier, more robust red.
- 19 Crimes Pinot Noir: A lighter-bodied red with bright acidity and flavors of cherry and earth. An excellent option for those who enjoy more delicate wines.
- 19 Crimes Chardonnay: A rich, creamy white wine with flavors of peach, apricot, and vanilla. Ideal for those who enjoy oaked Chardonnays.
- 19 Crimes Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, refreshing white wine with flavors of citrus and tropical fruit. A great choice for warm weather or pairing with seafood.
- 19 Crimes Rosé: A vibrant and fruity rosé with flavors of strawberry and raspberry. Perfect for summer sipping or light appetizers.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, the Red Blend is a safe bet. It’s approachable and well-balanced, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Step 3: Preparing Your Wine Glass and Serving Temperature
The right glassware and serving temperature can significantly impact your enjoyment of any wine, including 19 Crimes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Glassware: For red wines like the Red Blend or Cabernet Sauvignon, use a glass with a wider bowl. This allows the wine to breathe and release its aromas. For white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, a narrower glass is preferable to maintain the wine’s cooler temperature and focus its aromas.
- Serving Temperature: Red wines are best served slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). White wines should be chilled to around 45-50°F (7-10°C). You can achieve this by refrigerating the wine for a couple of hours before serving.
Why does temperature matter? Serving wine at the correct temperature enhances its flavors and aromas. Too warm, and the alcohol can become overpowering. Too cold, and the flavors can be muted.
Step 4: The Art of Tasting: Sight, Smell, and Sip
Tasting wine is a multi-sensory experience. Here’s how to approach it:
- Sight: Observe the wine’s color and clarity. Red wines can range from deep ruby to garnet, while white wines can vary from pale straw to golden.
- Smell: Swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas. Bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply. What do you smell? Common aromas in 19 Crimes wines include berries, spice, vanilla, and oak.
- Sip: Take a small sip and let the wine coat your palate. Pay attention to the flavors, tannins (the drying sensation in red wines), acidity, and body (the weight or texture of the wine).
- Savor: Notice the finish – the lingering flavors after you swallow. A long finish is generally a sign of a high-quality wine.
Don’t be afraid to take notes! Jotting down your impressions can help you remember what you liked (or didn’t like) about a particular wine. It’s also a great way to learn more about your own preferences.
Step 5: Pairing 19 Crimes Wine with Food
Wine and food pairing can elevate both the dining and wine-tasting experience. Here are some suggestions for pairing 19 Crimes wines:
- 19 Crimes Red Blend: This versatile wine pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, pizza, and pasta dishes with red sauce.
- 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon: Enjoy this wine with steak, lamb, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.
- 19 Crimes Pinot Noir: Pair this lighter red with salmon, roasted chicken, mushrooms, and earthy vegetables.
- 19 Crimes Chardonnay: This rich white wine complements creamy sauces, lobster, crab, and roasted poultry.
- 19 Crimes Sauvignon Blanc: Enjoy this crisp white with seafood, salads, goat cheese, and light appetizers.
- 19 Crimes Rosé: This refreshing rosé is perfect with grilled shrimp, salads, light sandwiches, and charcuterie.
Experiment and Have Fun! Don’t be afraid to try different pairings and discover what works best for your palate. The goal is to find combinations that enhance both the wine and the food.
Step 6: Exploring the Living Wine Labels App
One of the coolest features of 19 Crimes is the Living Wine Labels app. Simply download the app to your smartphone, point it at the label, and watch the characters come to life. They’ll share their stories and give you a glimpse into the world of 19th-century Australia.
Why use the app? It adds an interactive and entertaining element to your wine experience. It’s also a great way to learn more about the history behind the brand.
Step 7: Stocking Up and Storing Your 19 Crimes Wine
To ensure you always have your favorite 19 Crimes wine on hand, consider stocking up. Here are some storage tips:
- Temperature: Store wine in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, ideally around 55-65°F (13-18°C).
- Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of around 70% to prevent the cork from drying out.
- Position: Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist.
- Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage the wine.
You can easily find a wide selection of 19 Crimes wines at The Australian Store, where you can explore various vintages and limited editions. And for those who appreciate a good brew alongside their wine, don’t forget to check out Dropt.beer for some unique craft beer options.
Step 8: Sharing the Experience
Wine is best enjoyed with friends and family. Share your newfound knowledge of 19 Crimes with others and host a wine tasting. It’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories.
Step 9: Expanding Your Wine Knowledge
The world of wine is vast and fascinating. Continue to expand your knowledge by reading books, taking online courses, or visiting local wineries. The more you learn, the more you’ll appreciate the nuances of different wines.
Step 10: Enjoy Responsibly
Finally, remember to enjoy wine responsibly. Savor each sip, appreciate the flavors, and always drink in moderation.
Comparing 19 Crimes Wine Varieties
| Wine Variety | Flavor Profile | Food Pairing | Serving Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Blend | Bold, fruit-forward, smooth finish | Grilled meats, pizza, pasta | 60-65°F (15-18°C) |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Dark berries, cedar, vanilla | Steak, lamb, aged cheeses | 60-65°F (15-18°C) |
| Pinot Noir | Cherry, earthy notes, bright acidity | Salmon, roasted chicken, mushrooms | 60-65°F (15-18°C) |
| Chardonnay | Peach, apricot, vanilla, creamy | Lobster, crab, roasted poultry | 45-50°F (7-10°C) |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Citrus, tropical fruit, crisp | Seafood, salads, goat cheese | 45-50°F (7-10°C) |
| Rosé | Strawberry, raspberry, vibrant | Grilled shrimp, salads, light sandwiches | 45-50°F (7-10°C) |
FAQ Section
Q1: What are the 19 crimes that the wine is named after?
The 19 Crimes wine is named after the 19 offenses that would result in transportation to Australia from Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. These crimes ranged from petty theft to more serious offenses like forgery and grand larceny.
Q2: How does the Living Wine Labels app work?
The Living Wine Labels app uses augmented reality to bring the characters on the 19 Crimes wine labels to life. Simply download the app to your smartphone, point it at the label, and watch as the character shares their story.
Q3: What is the best way to store 19 Crimes wine?
To properly store 19 Crimes wine, keep it in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature (around 55-65°F or 13-18°C) and a humidity level of around 70%. Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and avoid direct sunlight.
