Italian style
Italian style
Freeman 2019 Rondo Rosé
This is delightful rosé is the antithesis of those sickly-sweet pink wines of a few years ago. Made from the northern Italian grape variety rondinella, popular in Valpolicella, from grapes grown in the Hilltops region outside Young, this is a very savoury, salmon- coloured dry rose. It is refreshing and dry with soft acid and widespread appeal. You could pair it with anything from a vegetarian quiche to a Turkish mezze plate. It also goes well with a late-night kebab. Try Summer Hill Wine Shop. $22.
Serious red
Parker Coonawarra Estate 2017 Terra Rossa Shiraz
The unique soils of Coonawarra make it one of the “go to” regions for quality red wines that won’t break the bank. The rich soils on top of limestone produce reds of intensity and structure. This is a really lovely shiraz that has rich red fruit flavours and classic cool-climate spice characters, along with a soft mouthfeel. An amiable companion for a T-bone steak, or a platter of cheeses. Available at Dan Murphy’s. $34
Tasmanian treat
Stargazer 2019 Tupelo white blend
Stargazer is the Tasmanian label of former Wirra Wirra and Tower Estate winemaker Samantha Connew, who is crafting small quantities of very fine wines from her base in the Coal River Valley, just outside Hobart. This is an unusual blend of three grapes that thrive in Alsace, France: pinot gris, riesling and gewürztraminer, which are wild fermented. The palate has ripe stone fruit and rose water notes. A lovely wine for sipping and savouring. Try Annandale Cellars or Different Drop in Ultimo. $32.
Terrific tipple
Vigneti del Sole 2018 Soave
Soave is a lighter-bodied dry white Italian wine from the Veneto region in north-east Italy, centered on Verona. Made from a blend of white grapes in which gargenega is the predominant variety, this is an easy-drinking white wine with bright, floral aromas and a fresh palate with green apple flavours to the fore. Pair with pre-dinner snacks, or perhaps some deep-fried whitebait. Available at BWS stores. $15.
Killer cabernet
Leconfield 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
With a pedigree that stretches back to the 1970s, Leconfield is a label that delivers terrific value red wines from Coonawarra. The merlot and the cabernet franc from this range are equally impressive. This is very classy cabernet from a year that produced full-flavoured but elegant cabernets with dark currant flavours to the fore with French oak playing a key support role. I suspect this will cellar well but would pair it with a classic lamb roast this weekend. $32.
Ripper riesling
Jim Barry 2019 Watervale Riesling
This is one of those wine labels where it is impossible to go wrong; year after year the Barry family produce impeccable dry Clare Valley rieslings that offer terrific value. This has classic Watervale lemon and lime flavours and bitey, juicy acidity on the finish. This would be terrific with a Thai banquet, or paired with old-fashioned fish and chips. I’ve seen this on special at First Choice and Dan Murphy’s stores for well under the RRP of $20.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.blogspot.com.