Bargain buy
Red Knot 2018 Shiraz
Red Knot is the bargain basement label of respected McLaren Vale producer Shingleback and is sold exclusively in Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores. For anyone looking for a well-made, everyday affordable red it is hard to go past this rich, well-made wine that is medium-to-full bodied with red and black berry fruit flavours with hints of Asian spices and chocolate and well-balanced French and American oak. This is very food friendly and an ideal choice to have on hand when friends pop around at short notice. $15.
Italian flavours
Hastwell & Lightfoot 2019 Vermentino
The Italian grape variety vermentino shines in McLaren Vale and is one of the wines in Hastwell & Lightfoot’s Mediterranean Collection. This is a fresh crisp white with citrus and tropical fruit notes, a lifted acid finish and hints of salty fresh sea spray. Vermentino, which originates in Sardinia, also pairs well with seafood, and this would be an impressive partner for prawn or calamari dishes. $25.
Deadly duo
Taylor’s Jaraman 2018 Grenache
Grenache is latest addition to Taylor’s popular Jaraman range, which features one grape variety sourced from two different regions – in this case from McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. It is a wine of immediate juicy, fruit charm and appeal and hints of cinnamon savouriness. We enjoyed this over two nights and it is a pretty versatile offering, pairing with everything from gourmet sausages to barbecued lamb. $30.
A taste of Sicily
Feudo Arancio 2019 Inzolia
You don’t see much inzolia around Sydney. Originating in Sicily and also grown in Tuscany, it was a part of the blend for fortified marsala wines but is now more often a crisp and fresh dry white wine. This is a lovely wine for enjoying chilled with anything from whitebait to fish and chips. Think lemon and lime and white stone fruit flavours, herbal hints and some bright acid. It is made by Feudo Arancio, who specialise in Mediterranean flavours. Try Amato’s Liquor in Leichhardt. Fun drinking for $20.
Brilliant buy
Hoddles Creek 2019 Yarra Valley Chardonnay
How do they do it? The d’Anna family produces some of the best cool-climate wines in Australia at prices that defy comprehension. Lovers of styles like Macon Lugny will want to snap up some of this new release which offers high quality drinking at bargain basement prices from hand-picked fruit in the cooler, higher Upper Yarra. Think impressive balance, citrus and stone fruit aromas with a refreshing palate and good length and acidity. Subtle oak adds complexity – but it is all about the fruit. Match with pork belly dishes. Try Five Way Cellars. $22.50.
A taste treat
Grenache Wizardry 2019 Grenache Rosé
Inspired by the grenache wines they have tasted in the south of France and Spain, the de Bortoli family has released a new range of grenaches made in three distinctive styles. This is an outstanding grenache rosé for around $20. Made from Heathcote fruit and hand-picked this was matured in old French oak and matured on lees. Textural, charming, dry and very easy to drink. $22.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.blogspot.com