Which Smidge Red Suits You? A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Bottle
A simple guide for choosing the right Smidge red, whether you prefer generosity, structure, or a more serious bottle for the table or cellar.
If you are new to Smidge, the easiest place to begin is not with a long tasting note. It is with a simple question: what do you like red wine to feel like at the table?
Some people want a red that is open, generous and easy to reach for. Others want more line, more structure and a firmer shape. Others again are looking for something deeper and more serious, whether for dinner, gifting or the cellar.
This guide is a simple way through that choice.
Start with how you like red wine to feel
A useful way to choose is to think in three directions.
If you like red wine that feels generous, smooth and easy to open with dinner or friends, start with Shiraz in its more immediate form.
If you prefer a wine with a firmer line, more structure and a slightly more upright feel, Cabernet is often the clearer fit.
If you are looking for something deeper, more layered and more contemplative, step into the more serious end of the range.
If you want something generous and easy to reach for
Start with The Ging McLaren Vale Shiraz 2019.
This is the bottle for someone who wants a proper red with ease and warmth, rather than something severe. It makes sense for dinner, for a table with a few people around it, or for a first order where you want confidence without overthinking the choice.
Choose The Ging if:
you usually enjoy Shiraz over Cabernet
you want a red that feels more generous than strict
you are buying for the table rather than the cellar
you are new to Smidge and want a safe first red choice
If you like firmer structure and a more upright style
Start with La Grenouille McLaren Vale Cabernet 2021.
This is the better fit if you like a wine with more shape and line. If Shiraz can feel a little broad for your taste, or if you tend to prefer Cabernet with food, this is the cleaner starting point.
Choose La Grenouille if:
you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon to Shiraz
you like more structure and definition
you want a red that works well at the table
you want a first bottle that shows a more classical line
If you want a more serious bottle
Move to S Shiraz Barossa & Eden Valley 2017 or Magic Dirt Willunga Shiraz 2016.
These are not the bottles to start with if you simply want an everyday first look at the range. They are better for the buyer who already knows they want something more serious. S is the step up when you want depth and a more deliberate bottle. Magic Dirt is the stronger choice when you are buying with intent, whether that is for a better dinner, a gift, or a more premium order.
Choose S or Magic Dirt if:
you are not looking for an entry point
you want the more serious end of the Smidge red offer
you are buying for gifting, a stronger table moment, or a more premium order
you already know you enjoy Shiraz with more depth
If you want the simplest way into Smidge
Choose Start Here 3-Pack or Start Here 6-Pack.
This is the right answer for anyone who likes the sound of Smidge but does not want to make the whole decision through one red bottle. These packs give you a simple first look at the range through one white and two reds, and they make an easy first order for home, gifting, or sharing.
Choose Start Here if:
you are new to Smidge
you want to compare one white and two reds at home
you are buying a gift and want a safer first selection
you want a better first order than a single-bottle guess
Shop Start Here 3-Pack Shop Start Here 6-Pack
A simple way to choose
The Ging — for a generous, easy first red.
La Grenouille — for firmer structure and a straighter line.
S — for a more serious Shiraz.
Magic Dirt — for a premium bottle or gift.
Start Here — for the easiest first order overall.
Still unsure?
A tasting may be the better next step.
Smidge tastings are small, bookable tastings at a working winery in McLaren Vale. If you would rather compare styles in person than decide from the screen alone, that is a very good way to begin.
Where to go next
If you want a red that feels generous and easy to reach for, start with The Ging.
If you want firmer structure and a straighter line, start with La Grenouille.
If you want a more serious Shiraz, move to S or Magic Dirt.
If you want the easiest first look at Smidge overall, choose Start Here 3-Pack or Start Here 6-Pack.
Or simply browse the red collection.