You do not have to spend a fortune to drink well at Christmas, Winsor Dobbin reports
The Real Deal
Pommery Brut Rosé NV
Founded in 1836, Pommery has grown to be one of the most reliable Champagne producers, as well as offering excellent value. Pommery is known for elegant and complex Champagnes and this is particularly dry, fresh, and lively. The 2020 packaging is striking across the range with three limited-edition multicoloured gift box designs. Try Dan Murphy’s. $95.
Organic gem
Pig In The House 2019 Shiraz
After 10 years of organic certification the Pig In The House range from Cowra producers Windowrie is recognised as being among the best organic lines in Australia – and the value is also terrific. This has already picked up a show gold medal and some rave reviews. It is full of the joys of youth; bright purple in colour and with quality fruit dominating refined seasoned nutty oak notes. It finishes soft and smooth and dares you to enjoy a second glass. Pair with some spicy beef rissoles. $25.
Bargain buy
Angove Naturalis 2020 Pinot Grigio
This single vineyard wine is part of a new range from Angove that ticks all the hipster boxes. It is certified organic, vegan friendly, picked in the cool of the night and made with minimal preservatives. The good news continues in that it is very affordable: and comes in a lightweight bottle. it is, most importantly of all, very smashable. Unoaked, it comes with fresh white stone fruit flavours to the fore and some very refreshing crisp acidity. Drink now. Summer in a bottle – and perfect for a party. $18.
Tasmanian newbie
House of Arras NV Blanc de Blancs
The first new release in the House of Arras range for six years is an impressively vibrant chardonnay-dominant bubbly with plenty of crowd appeal. Fruit has been sourced from Pipers River, the Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley, East Coast and Tamar Valley and this is steely and focused with grapefruit and lemon notes; nicely balanced after 30 months on lees. Very stylish and terrific value. $35.
Robust red
Rusden 2018 Driftsand GSM
Year after year, Rusden’s Driftsand blend of grenache, shiraz and mourvedre is a red with plenty of Barossa grunt that offers serious drinking pleasure for a relative pittance. This isaromatic with loads of rich fruit cake aromas and flavours, with hints of spice a foil for the richness of the spice. Medium-bodied with dark berry fruit, this is an excellent choice for a holiday season barbecue. $22.
Cheap as chips
Berton Vineyards 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
The packaging suggests this is an upmarket white but looks deceive and you can buy this at a bargain price. It is a crowd pleaser, a decent lively sauvignon blanc made from cool-climate Padthaway fruit with a high refreshment index that would go down a treat with a barbecue or at a party. Tropical fruit flavours are to the fore here, but it is well balanced and lingering for the price tag. $14.
Something special
Ashton Hills 2019 Estate Pinot Noir
Ashton Hills has for a couple of decades now been one of the finest pinot noir producers in Australia and a gradual handing of the winemaking reins from founder Stephen George to Liam van Pelt has happened seamlessly. This is very stylish; using fruit sourced purely from preferred clones on the Piccadilly estate in the Adelaide Hills. Floral and earthy elements exist in harmony and there is a fine tannin structure. Think layers of flavours, soft persistence, and immediate smooth drinkability. $55.
Seafood partner
Seppelt 2020 Drumborg Riesling
For anyone planning to eat a lot of seafood over the holiday period; this is the ideal partner. A zingy, fresh young riesling with plenty of vibrant citrus aromas and flavours and acid that is brisk, but not overpowering. This is a drier style of riesling that would pair brilliantly with anything from fish and chips to fresh oysters or a platter of sushi and sashimi. $25.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.com