Wine with Winsor
Italian accent
Angullong 2018 Fossil Hill Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the grape used to make the classic Tuscan wines of Chianti, but it is also proving an extremely popular addition to Australian vineyards. This bright, sparky wine is made from fruit grown in Orange in Central Western New South Wales and comes from a producer that also makes a tidy tempranillo, and barbera. It offers delightful balance between dark fruit flavours and savoury notes. Plenty of length, plenty of flavours. Pair with pizza or pasta. $28.
Great white
Vasse Felix 2020 Classic Dry White
This may be the best budget-priced white of the year so far – a classic Margaret River blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc that offers bright, zingy refreshment for when summer rolls around. The blend is 70% semillon, 30% sauvignon blanc matured in stainless steel with no oak at all. This comes from one of the best producers in Western Australia and is an ideal choice for anyone looking for crisp, fruit-driven drinking pleasure. Floral and citrusy with green apple crunch, the new vintage is out any day now. A perfect picnic wine.$20.
From far away
Pepperjack 2018 Malbec
The Pepperjack range usually features familiar varietals grown in South Australia. This is a very definite diversion from that path with the grapes sourced from Mendoza in Argentina, where malbec rules. I liked this a lot. There is plenty of rich dark fruit, but there is also an aromatic lightness and ease of drinking. It is fun and different and shows off the quality of the Argentine fruit.Pair with an empanada for maximum wow. $25.
French style
Debussy Reverie 2018 Chardonnay
I enjoyed this so much I snapped up a few bottles for the summer. From the Languedoc-Roussillon region on the Mediterranean coastline in southern France, this is a terrific all-purpose chardonnay with broad appeal. This is medium-bodied, with green apple, white pear, and grapefruit elements to the fore and a lively, crisp finish. A delightful summer quaffer for matching with seafood dishes or picnics. $18.
Classic style
Bishop by Ben Glaetzer 2018 Shiraz
Here is one for lovers of classic, bold Barossa shiraz – and it is made by Ben Glaetzer, a member of one of the most famous winemaking families in the region. This uses fruit from Ebenezer in the northern Barossa and had typical dark fruit and dried spice notes. An each-way bet, it can be enjoyed right now or cellared for a few years. A serious wine that can be matched with just about any red meat dish. $32.
Major bargain
Berton Vineyard 2020 Vermentino
The Berton Vineyard “metal label” range – which also includes a shiraz and a durif – represents quite remarkable value – and can be recommended for anyone wanting a few bottles of house wine at a reasonable price point. This is a seriously quaffable dry white with flavours ranging from lemon sherbet to pineapple. The vermentino grape is originally from Italy but it pairs impressively with spicy dishes from Thailand and Vietnam. $15.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.com