Spring has sprung, so here are some new delicious and affordable wines for the warmer months, chosen by wine critic Winsor Dobbin.
Impressive quaffer
Mr Mick 2021 Pinot Grigio
Winemaking veteran Tim Adams is one of the stars of the Clare Valley, but he sources fruit from the Limestone Coast for his Mr Mick Pinot Grigio, a lively young wine full of the joys of the changing seasons. Think fresh pear and peach flavours, lively refreshing acid, and plenty of fun pre-dinner, or with food. Mr Mick, by the way, was Adams’ late mentor Mick Knappstein. This is a stellar bargain for $18.
Red devil
d’Arenberg 2019 The Love Grass Shiraz
Looking for a good, but affordable red wine to match with a barbecue, or picnic? You have come to the right place. This is a delightful McLaren Vale shiraz from one of the most reliable producers around – the Osborn family has been making wines since 1912. This is a really soft and approachable shiraz that spends 18 months in French oak. It is organic, biodynamic, and vegan friendly. But most importantly it tastes of summer berries with just the right amount of savoury input. $25.
Savoury star
Yalumba 2019 Bush Vine Grenache
This is just one of several grenache wines made by family-owned Barossa Valley-based Yalumba and it is juicy, fruity, and very moreish. Last month featured International Grenache Day and this wine came up trumps in my tasting – it is the ideal choice for a spring or summer barbecue and will pair well with just about any grilled red meat dish. Made from grapes frown on vines that are over 35 years old, this has berry and dark cherry flavours to the fore. Try Vintage Cellars. $28.
Oyster magnet
Lloyd Brothers 2021 Picpoul
Picpoul is a fairly rare grape variety that stars in the Languedoc region in the south of France, particularly around the lagoons of Sete and Meze, from where some of the finest oysters in the world are harvested. Picpoul is also finding favour with a handful of producers in the Adelaide Hills and this new release, not surprisingly, also pairs brilliantly with bivalves. Pale, fresh and delightfully crisp, this is a wine for enjoying well chilled with a plate of cold seafood. $26.
A taste of France
Fringe Société 2020 Gamay
Enjoy a little taste of France in the inner west. Take bottle of this down to the waterfront, unscrew and enjoy with a picnic. Gamay is the light, fresh red grape variety used in the wines of Beaujolais and is delicious when enjoyed lightly chilled on a summer day. This is seriously juicy young version from Fringe Société in the Comte Tolosan region in the south of France. Imported by Red and White, this is deliciously gluggable for $22.
So much fun
Plus & Minus 2020 Blanc de Blancs
The trouble with most alcohol-free wines is that they do not taste much like wine. This is one is a bit different. I poured it for a large tasting group and no one of them identified it as being zero alcohol. Pressed from skins and then de-alcoholised, this is a rather nifty little drink; clean, crisp, and refreshing. It is also vegan-friendly. Made by the team from Fourth Wave Wine. Serve it blind and surprise your friends. $15.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.com.
