As the days get warmer and longer here are some good-value wines to enjoy.
Organic refreshment
Angove 2020 Organic Rosé
Spring is the perfect time to rediscover the freshness and food-friendliness of dry rosé wines – and family vignerons Angove are among the market leaders. This recent release, made from shiraz grapes with a splash of sauvignon blanc, is bursting with vibrant watermelon, cherry and berry flavours to the fore and can be paired with anything from picnics to Asian dishes. It is also certified organic and vegan friendly. $16.
Red velvet
Brand’s Laira 2016 Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon
Take one of the best cabernet producers in Coonawarra; add a couple of years of bottle age and you have a very fine accompaniment for a gourmet burger or a fillet steak. This is terrific value with plenty of power and a smooth, elegant finish. Think dark cassis fruit flavours allied with quality French oak. Everything here is beautifully balanced. Drink now, or cellar for a few years. $22.
All class
Howard Park 2019 Flint Rock Chardonnay
From the Great Southern region of West Australia – and made by one of the state’s finest producers – this is amon the best chardonnay buys around: a seriously good new-release that won’t break the bank. It is tight and elegant with flinty mineral notes and tight green apple and citrus notes on the palate This went a treat paired with a spicy roast chicken and all the trimmings. $28.
Pinot pleasure
Austin’s 2018 Pinot Noir
The wine region around Geelong is among the most under-rated in the country, producing cool-climate wines of real style and panache. Austin’s are among the leading producers in the Moorabool Valley and have a range of excellent wines including this very moreish blend of fruit from several of the family’s best vineyards. This pulls off the happy trick of being plush, textural and savoury, while at the same time showcasing quality sweet fruit. Pair with Chinese roast duck. $45.
Something different
Jules Taylor 2020 Gruner Veltliner
Here’s one for adventurous drinkers on a budget – a New Zealand take on Austria’s favourite white grape variety. Taylor is celebrating 20 vintages in 2020 and this is aromatic and fresh with some mulled/spiced fruit richness. It has been quite the ride for Taylor, from a few hundred cases to a very popular brand. $25
Tasmanian Treat
Apogee 2016 Deluxe Vintage Brut
Serious bubbles here; worthy of a special celebration. Andrew Pirie, the man behind the Apogee label, is a Tasmanian wine pioneer who created brands including Tamar Ridge, Pipers Brook and Pirie. He now concentrates all his attention on his tiny vineyard at Lebrina in the north of the Apple Isle. This is a classic pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier blend that has spent 45 months on lees. Oaky, complex and special. $65.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.com