Wine with Winsor – 241

.

Cheap as chips

Angove 2013 Long Row Merlot

You can’t beat this budget range for value for money and this ‘drink now’ merlot is a very stylish wine for the price.

It is soft and easy to drink with raspberry and dark cherry flavours to the fore and oak sitting unobtrusively in the background like a naughty schoolboy.

This doesn’t need cellaring, or decanting: just twist the screw cap and enjoy.

It’s a simple pleasure that would be great with anything from a steak sandwich to a plate of charcuterie.

$10.

.

.

Boutique benchmark

10 X Tractor 2013 Pinot Gris

The quirkily named Mornington Peninsula winery Ten Minutes by Tractor produces some of the finest individual vineyard pinot noirs and chardonnays in the country, and is also home to one of best vineyard restaurants.

10X is its entry level label and this is an outstanding take on pinot gris; with waxy pear notes, hints of honey and lots of textural interest on the palate.

Intense, rich, fleshy and spicy.

$28. 

.

.

Italian style

La Prova 2013 Sangiovese

Sam Scott is making some very impressive wines using Italian grape varieties from the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley for his La Prova label.

This is a blend of fruit from the two regions with a fragrant nose leading on to a palate that is at once silky soft and savoury.

A very pretty wine that is extremely easy to drink and would be a terrific match with dishes like duck ragu with fettuccine.

There is a Nero d’Avola in the same range that is also worth seeking out.

$23.