Have you ever wandered past the wine section of your favorite bottle shop and paused at the sleek red-and-white labels of Penfolds, wondering what all the fuss is about? Wines in general can seem a bit intimidating, especially in Indonesia where it's not a common part of everyday culture.
But fear not! If you’re new to wine and wondering where to begin, Penfolds is definitely the name worth knowing and sipping. So grab yourself a glass (or just your curiosity) and let’s get this wine mystery uncorked.
Starting Your Wine Journey With Penfolds
Penfolds is one of Australia’s most iconic wine producers and they’ve been crafting wine since 1844. What started as a humble vineyard in Adelaide has now become a global symbol of premium winemaking, known for consistency, quality, and bold flavors.
For beginners, Penfolds offers an excellent introduction to wine thanks to its consistent quality, balanced flavors, and wide range of varieties. Unlike some wines that can be overly complex or acquired tastes, Penfolds wines are crafted to be approachable yet refined.
Their entry-level labels, such as the Max’s Range, are known for being smooth, fruit-forward, and easy to enjoy without requiring advanced wine knowledge. It’s a brand that allows you to explore the world of wine comfortably, while also setting a solid foundation for deeper appreciation over time.
Enjoying Wine Without Pretending You're in a European Film
You don’t need to be a sommelier or own a fancy suit to start enjoying wine. Here’s how to get started with Penfolds:
Room Temperature
Indonesia is obviously hot, and room temperature here is not what they mean in places like Europe. To properly enjoy your wines, chill your reds just a little bit before drinking (15–18°C is ideal), and whites should be nicely cold (8–12°C). You can use your hands as a last resort, if you don’t own a kitchen or wine thermometer. Just make sure they feel cold to the touch and not lukewarm.
Correct Glassware
You don’t need fancy stemware, but a proper wine glass helps. Having at least one proper wine glass would be an amazing investment for every wine bottle that you’ll buy next. If it’s not an option, you can start with any inward-curving rim glass (like a small water glass). Just try to avoid a flat or wide-rimmed glass (like mugs or tumblers).
Sip slowly and Enjoy
Wine is meant to be savored, not chugged. Try taking small sips and notice the flavors. You might detect dark berries, chocolate, or even spicy notes from each sip of wine. Most drinks in Indonesia are either hot and sipped, or cold and chugged. So it might be odd to sip a chilled drink, but you’ll be able to understand the complexity of a wine better that way.
Which To Start With?
The abundant choices of Penfold Wines can sometimes be a little intimidating. If you’re not sure which one to pick, here are a few beginner-friendly recommendations:
Penfolds Max Shiraz
This is a red wine from Penfolds Max’s Range. Named after former chief winemaker Max Schubert, these are stylish, vibrant wines that look fantastic on a dinner table. Shiraz (or Syrah) is the grape used for this bottle and provides a great introduction to red wine grape varieties.
Penfolds Max Chardonnay
Another wine from Penfolds Max’s Range, this provides another amazing beginner experience for white wines. Chardonnay is a popular and amazing white wine grape variety, which is a wonderful first step for anyone into white wine.
Penfolds Bin 2 - Shiraz Mataro
Bin 2 is a blend of Shiraz and Mataro (also known as Mourvèdre), a grape known for adding earthy depth and structure. It’s softer than some of Penfolds’ bigger reds, with a savory, slightly spicy character alongside the ripe fruit. Making this a great wine for beginners looking to expand beyond basic reds.
Easiest Gift You’ll Ever Pick
Have you ever panicked before a wedding, birthday, or promotion party, wondering what to bring? Well our answer to that is a bottle of Penfolds. With its sleek label, world-class reputation, and crowd-pleasing taste, it ticks all the right boxes of a classy yet exciting celebratory gift.
Even if you can’t pronounce Cabernet Sauvignon yet (don’t worry, we’ll get there), you can count on Penfolds to make you look like you know your stuff. Whether it’s a gift to your boss, a house-warming gift for a family member, or any other kind of celebration, Penfolds is an obvious standard choice for any kind of gift.
A Final Sip of Advice
It used to be that finding wine in Indonesia felt like a treasure hunt, but now? Things are much more accessible than ever before. Many reputable wine retailers (like us!) can give you recommendations and maybe even sneak in a promo or two.
And yes, we carry Penfolds!
So the next time you're staring at a bottle of Penfolds and wondering if it's for you, the answer is simple: absolutely. Start where you are, sip what you like, and don’t overthink how you should enjoy it too much!
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