The team at Ivanhoe Wines love nothing more than sharing our passion for wine with others—but over the years, we’ve heard our fair share of tall tales and misconceptions. From debates about screw caps to confusion about ageing, it’s easy to see how wine can sometimes feel a little intimidating. But we believe wine should be enjoyable, approachable, and above all, shared with good food and great company.
So, we’re setting the record straight. Here are some of the most common wine myths—busted—with examples straight from the Ivanhoe vineyard.
Myth 1: All Wine Gets Better with Age
BUSTED: While some wines, like our Shiraz Pressings or Ivanhoe Shiraz (Museum Release), are crafted with cellaring in mind, not every bottle is meant to be aged. Many wines are designed to be enjoyed fresh and vibrant—like our 2023 Chivalry, which is perfect for drinking chilled now. The key is knowing the style of the wine and its intended drinking window. Age doesn’t always equal improvement—it depends on the wine.
Myth 2: Screw Caps Mean Cheap or Low-Quality Wine
BUSTED: Australia has long embraced screw caps for their reliability and ability to preserve wine quality. In fact, most of our wines at Ivanhoe are sealed with screw caps. Why? Because they offer a tight seal, prevent cork taint, and maintain freshness—especially important in our warm Hunter Valley climate. Quality has nothing to do with what’s on top of the bottle, and everything to do with what’s inside.
Myth 3: The More Expensive the Wine, the Better It Tastes
BUSTED: Price doesn’t always equal pleasure. While some wines command a higher price due to limited production or extensive cellaring, great wines can be found at all price points. It’s all about what you enjoy. Our Swordsman Shiraz delivers strength, richness and elegance at an accessible price—proof that exceptional flavour doesn’t need to break the bank.
Myth 4: Blended Wines Are Inferior
BUSTED: Some of the world’s most iconic wines are blends. Combining varietals allows winemakers to craft wines with balance, complexity and finesse. At Ivanhoe, we offer a mix of single varietals like Chambourcin and Verdelho, as well as a range of blends including our The Archer and our Premium Durif Cabernet. The winemaking process also involves blending across different blocks and barrels to create the perfect final expression of a vintage. Blending should be viewed as an art, not a shortcut.
Myth 5: Red Wine Should Be Served at Room Temperature
BUSTED: “Room temperature” used to refer to chilly old stone cellars—not modern homes sitting at 22°C. In fact, red wine is best served slightly cooler, around 16–18°C. This helps to preserve the wine’s structure and balance. Our Ivanhoe Shiraz, for example, opens beautifully when served just below room temperature, enhancing its pepper and spice without overwhelming the palate.
Myth 6: Red with Meat, White with Fish
BUSTED: While there’s truth to the idea of pairing intensity of flavour, wine and food pairing isn’t black and white. Our crisp Semillon is fantastic with Thai duck curry, and our Chambourcin pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes. It’s all about experimenting—and finding what works for your palate.
Myth 7: You Should Always Let Red Wine Breathe
BUSTED: While decanting can benefit older wines or young wines with tightly wound tannins, not every red needs to breathe. Our Jouster Shiraz, for example, is designed to be smooth and ready to enjoy straight from the bottle—no fuss required. If in doubt, pour a small glass and taste it. If it feels closed or tight, a bit of air won’t hurt. But don’t assume every bottle needs a decanter.
Myth 8: A Silver Spoon Keeps Sparkling Wine Fresh
BUSTED: Unfortunately, this old trick doesn’t work. To keep your Sparkling Maiden or 'The Chalice' bubbly, the only real solution is a proper sparkling wine stopper. These create a tight seal and help maintain that delightful fizz for longer.
Myth 9: Wine “Legs” Indicate Quality
BUSTED: Those streaks that run down the inside of your glass after swirling—called “legs” or “tears”—are simply a result of alcohol and sugar content. They don’t reveal anything about the wine’s flavour, balance, or overall quality. So next time you admire a glass of our The Prince of Thieves Cabernet Sauvignon, take a moment to enjoy the aroma and taste—rather than the drip patterns.
Myth 10: Rosé Is Just a Blend of Red and White Wine
BUSTED: This one’s surprisingly common—but untrue for most quality rosé wines. While some inexpensive rosés may be made by blending red and white wine, this method is generally frowned upon in fine winemaking. Most rosé is made by lightly pressing red grapes and allowing brief skin contact to achieve that lovely blush hue.
At Ivanhoe, our Rosé (a Round Table member favourite) is crafted with care to highlight fresh, vibrant berry notes and a crisp, dry finish. It’s elegant, refreshing, and a wonderful reminder that rosé deserves to be taken seriously—especially when paired with a summer spread.
Final Thoughts
Wine is meant to be enjoyed, shared and explored. Don’t let myths get in the way of discovering something you love. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your wine journey, the best advice we can give is this: trust your taste buds and drink what brings you joy.
Browse our full range and find something new to love today, or book a tasting at our cellar door to discover our delicious Hunter Valley wines.