Chimay ‘Red’

Chimay ‘Red’

Origin: Belgium | about $7 for 330ml

Thanks be to Father Théodore, the Cistercian monk who devised the recipe for this delightful Trappist brew when he reopened the Chimay brewery in Belgium’s Notre-Dame de Scourmont after World War II.

From its deep coppery colour, through its fruity bouquet to its richly flavoured and deeply satisfying malty, velvety palate, this beer is all class, though take care. It does, after all, carry a 7 per cent alcohol sting in its tail.

And don’t complain too much about what at first appears a hefty price tag. I’d get as much pleasure out of one glass of this — make that a large one, please — as I would from a slab of VB.

And don’t overchill this it. Like top-quality chardonnay, Chimay ‘Red’ should be enjoyed at ‘cellar temperature’, not straight out of the fridge. That means 10-12ºC rather than 4-5ºC.

Visit http://www.chimay.com

— JOHN ROZENTALS*

*John Rozentals is a Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) graduate.

Samples for tasting and review should be addressed to John Rozentals, PO Box 3484, Rhodes 2138