At a recent dinner with some friends, I was asked to select a nice ‘girly’ wine for some of the ladies at the table and a big juicy ‘manly-man’ wine for the rest of the group. While reviewing the list I wondered about wine writers who describe wine as being feminine or masculine and mulled over what they really mean. It is at that time I figured that I should find a few ‘masculine’ wines to suggest for you to have at dinner with Dad on Father’s Day or as gifts.

Wines for real men

I suspect that references to masculine wines refer to full-bodied wines that are jammy, juicy and full of explosive dark berry fruit flavour. Wines that have these characteristics are usually made from grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc , Merlot, Syrah, Malbec and their various blends. Here are a few to try:

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Antinori Guado Al Tasso, Italy – This wine is made from 60 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 per cent Merlot, 10 per cent Syrah. Guado al Tasso, meaning literally “Badger’s Ford”, takes its name from a common sight at the estate of Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri, where it is produced. Extraordinary intense ruby red in colour. Intensely fruity, more of cherry than cassis, with hints of toast, coffee and dark chocolate. Finely structured and complex; balanced, with soft tannins and a lingering finish. Displays unmistakable varietal flavour while retaining strong regional character.

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Barossa Valley E&E Black Pepper Shiraz, Australia. This wine is made from 100 per cent Shiraz sourced from low-cropping, old vine Barossa vineyards, spent 18 months in oak: 50 per cent American, 50 per cent French, 30 per cent of which was new. Deep, dark red in colour with a purple hue, this wine shows a huge lift of cherry blossom, dark chocolate, spice, coffee, ripe blackberries, and tar, along with complimentary oak on the bouquet. The palate is very rich and ripe, full-bodied, with a round mouthfeel and very long finish.

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Bogle Petite Sirah, California – You might think that a grape varietal whose name begins with ‘petite’ does not belong on this list. Petite does not refer to the taste, it speaks to the size of the grapes and they pack a powerful punch. Petite Sirah is today considered Bogle’s “heritage” varietal. Ripe summer blackberries and plums overwhelm both the nose and palate of this wine. Its trademark inky, jammy qualities are a barrage of black fruit and spice, adding layer upon layer of complexity. Notes of supple leather and toasty oak envelop the flavours through the finish, giving way to wisps of caramel and vanilla.

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Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile – The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon come from the Puente Alto Vineyard in the Maipo Valley, Chile’s most celebrated wine region. The wine is bright, deep red. With a bouquet of cherry, chocolate, black tar and smoke. On the palate the wine is smooth, almost silky texture with a long finish. Concentrated and full-bodied.

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Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Merlot, Chile – Always a favourite for lovers of full-bodied wines, it is inky deep red with bright violet hints. On the nose its shows expressive red fruit, with fresh notes of rosemary, white pepper and sweet spices. Elegant oak touches with notes of vanilla and subtle nutmeg. As you sip this wine you will experience a pleasant attack with round and juicy tannins towards the mid-palate, finishing with fresh acidity and a long and lasting sensation.

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Chateau Teyssier Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France – Rated by an independent jury of US wine professionals as one of the 100 affordable, contemporary Bordeaux wines. It’s a very nice Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend from the Bordeaux region. Pure black cherry and berry aromas lead to a full body, with silky tannins and a concentrated fruity finish.

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Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec, Argentina – In the glass this wines colour appears intense red with blue shades. This is a wine with a magnificent structure that offers a sensational mouth-feel and an intensely rich flavour. Its beautifully integrated tannins make it lively and strong. Its finish is smooth and perfectly harmonious.

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Veramonte Primus, Chile – I like all the wines on this list, but I believe that this wine is special from a value standpoint, you get a lot of bang for the buck. The last vintage I tasted was the 2006 which I believe is the most current on the market. The 2006 growing season was characterised by even ripening conditions resulting in a balanced set crop. Favourable weather, long hang time and a smooth harvest yielded intensely concentrated flavours. Primus 2006 combines striking rich, ripe fruit, exotic spice and a round mouth feel with elegant tannins, leading to a long finish.

To my dear Dad- A very happy Father’s Day to you dear Dad. Thanks for setting a great example for us to follow.

Chris Reckord is an independent wine consultant. He and his wife Kerri-Anne are part owners of Jamaica’s only Wine Bar – Bin26 Wine Bar in Devon House, Kingston. Please send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com . Follow Chris on twitter.com/DeVineWines