Lively Rosé
Elodie 2014 Le Tongs Rosé
There is a sense of style about this French rosé, which the producer describes as “the very essence of leisurely, summer drinking”.
It is a humble regional blend of syrah and cinsault from the Var region of the south of France, with a label that features a pair of rubber thongs, Les Tongs.
It is made at a very good local producer, the Domaine de Cantarelle, outside Aix-en-Provence in the heartland of fine rosés.
Available in Australia from boutique French wine importer DiscoverVin. $25.
Refreshing white
El Desperado 2015 Pinot Grigio
Tom Keelan, winemaker for The Pawn Wine Co. label, has an impressive reputation for delivering value for money; and he’s right on the bullseye again with this fresh pinot grigio made from fruit grown in the cool Adelaide Hills.
It is a true grigio, crisp and clean in the northern Italian style with brisk citrus and stone fruit flavours and some refreshing acidity on the palate.
Watch the label turn from a flower to a skull if you let the bottle get too warm. $20.
Bargain red
Yalumba Y Series 2014 Tempranillo
You won’t find many ranges that offer such good value for money across all the wines as Yalumba’s Y Series.
This is a very good take on the classic Spanish grape tempranillo: a bright fruit-driven red with savoury hints that make it extremely food-friendly.
Match this with anything from grilled veal and lamb dishes to a simple backyard barbecue. It’s fun and affordable. $13.
