There are dozens of different wine styles from which to choose. Wine writer Winsor Dobbin takes a look at some impressive recent releases.
Midweek bargain
Rewild 2022 Fiano
Fiano is a white Italian wine grape variety that is grown in Campania and Sicily but is also shining in the warmer regions of Australia – like the Murray Darling region. This is sustainably made and offers some very pleasant midweek drinking for a very fair price. A good choice as an after-work pick me up or paired with fish and chips or roast chicken. Clean, well made and refreshing. Try Dan Murphy’s stores. $10.
Smart creature
Little Giant 2021 Barossa Shiraz
The Little Giant range – produced by Newcastle-based Fourth Wave Wines – stands out from the pack for several reasons, including an unusual short, squat bottle and the wombat logo on the label. It also offers very decent value for money with this gutsy Barossa shiraz delivering plenty of flavour for anyone looking for an assertive but well balanced traditionally bold Aussie red with dark berry, black chocolate and peppery characters. $25.
Serious pinot
Hoddles Creek 2021 PSB Pinot Noir
Here is a serious treat for pinotphiles who love the elegance of cool-climate wines. This is a single-vineyard wine from a close-planted vineyard in a cool part of the Yarra Valley – the first wine in this style that winemaker Franco d’Anna has produced since 2018. Think concentrated fruit, great tannin structure and potential longevity. This is fermented in large wooden barrels which add texture rather than flavours, Seriously impressive and would be great paired with some Chinese barbecued duck. $70.
Something different
Break Free 2022 Petite Blancs
Pet Nat wines (where secondary fermentation happens in the bottle to create the bubbles) are increasingly popular, particularly with younger drinkers. Here is one that hits the bullseye from the team behind the Clandestine Wines label. It is a cloudy number but funky and a lot of fun. It’s made from a blend of chenin blanc, chardonnay and gewurztraminer grown in the Swan Valley, Margaret River, and Frankland River regions in Western Australia. No pesticides or herbicides, unfined, unfiltered, vegan friendly and very hip. $30.
Riesling fun
Harewood Estate 2022 Tunney Riesling
James Kellie and his team at Harewood Estate in Western Australia produce a range of excellent rieslings from different regions including Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup, and Denmark. This one was my favourite of the 2022 releases; and it paired a treat with some whiting fillets. Tunney is the most northerly vineyard in the Great Southern. Impressively linear, this has pear and citrus flavours to the fore, great purity, and some lively acidity on the palate. Pair with Korean or Vietnamese dishes. Distributed by Single Vineyard Sellers. $35.
Pink melody
Bremerton 2022 Racy Rose
Bremerton is a family owned and operated winery in Langhorne Creek that is noteworthy for consistently over delivering on value. Made from 100% estate grown fruit, this is a saucy blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz that is a perfect choice for a spring picnic around the Bay Walk shores. This is very and refreshing with some savoury notes and a lively finish. Chill well, drink now and enjoy. $20.
See Winsor’s work at www.gourmetontheroad.com.
