With summer still with us, wine writer Winsor Dobbin selects some delicious drops for enjoying on a warm day.
Old favourite
Pikes 2022 Traditionale Riesling
While we all like to discover new taste treats and expand our wine boundaries, it is sometimes good to drink a wine that is tried and trusted that you know, without question, will be delicious. This is one of those wines; reliably fresh, lively, and refreshing vintage after vintage. It is a classic Clare Valley riesling, full of energy and totally cohesive after a few months in bottle. Think lemon, lime, and grapefruit, intense minerality and crisp acid on the finish. Pair with chilled prawns for maximum fun. $28.
Red devil
Wirra Wirra 2021 Catapult Shiraz
McLaren Vale winery Wirra Wirra is something of a byword for reliable quality with its Church Block red blend a long-time favourite. This shiraz is a step up – but still affordable. Think medium-bodied, classic Australian red wine flavours; this is bright and alive, with lashings of dark fruit flavours and a soft finish. Ready for immediate enjoyment and a very good choice to pair with a backyard barbecue, sausages, or hamburgers. $28.
Serious chardy
Oakridge Vineyard Series 2021 Henk Chardonnay
The price of white burgundies has gone through the roof recently, but Australian wine drinkers are fortunate to have several producers – like Oakridge in the Yarra Valley – who produce stellar chardonnays without an astronomical price tag. The fruit for this wine comes from one of the best growers in Victoria and the Oakridge team have made the best of those grapes with a wine that is intense, complex, and supremely drinkable with citrus and stone fruit in harmony, and excellent line and length. Brilliant stuff. $48.
Hunter heaven
Gundog Estate 2022 Hunter’s Semillon
Nothing says summer like a glass of chilled young Hunter Valley semillon paired with some fresh oysters or barbecued seafood and enjoyed al fresco. Matt Burton from Gundog Estate makes a wide range of semillons and has joined the leaders of the pack when it comes to the zingy, effervescent, “drink now” style of semillon. Don’t bother cellaring this one: the crisp acidity means it should be enjoyed right now, preferably well chilled. $30.
Pinot pleasure
Dog Point 2020 Pinot Noir
Looking for a Kiwi pinot noir that is just a little bit more subtle and approachable than some of those Central Otago blockbuster styles? You have come to the right place with this restrained but lip-smackingly good pinot from a producer in Marlborough that is probably best known for its stellar sauvignon blancs. Very varietal, this is dry, medium-bodied and supple on the palate. It would pair well with mushroom dishes, or Chinese roast duck. $49.
Italian accent
7 Wishes Friendship 2022 Pinot Grigio
This is a brilliant warm weather wine from the Five Geese stable, utilising fruit from the cool Adelaide Hills to make a quintessential summer style that is very much in the refreshing Italian grigio fashion. Bright, clean, lean and with the faintest of pink tinges, it offers a beguiling combo of citrus and pear/stone fruit flavours on the palate and finishes crisp and dry. Pair with pan-fried flathead or some Portuguese chicken from Petersham for fun wine and food combinations. $26.
See Winsor’s wine and travel recommendations at www.gourmetontheroad.com.
