Wines that are food friendly can enhance just about any meal. Wine writer Winsor Dobbin selects some of his favourite recent releases – in a variety of formats.
Young gun
Lloyd Brothers 2023 Nouveau
The way we eat out in Sydney – in our backyards, picnicking along the Bay Run, or al fresco – make lighter style red wines a perfect accompaniment for both lunches and light dinners. This is a terrific young red blend from McLaren Vale in South Australia that is picked early, bottled early and released early. It is a versatile food wine and can even be chilled a little on a warm day. A field blend of grenache and shiraz, it is bright, fresh, and fruity. $28.
Convenient refreshment
Turkey Flat 2023 Rosé (250ml can)
We don’t drink wine the way we used to. Thirsty folk can now purchase wines in all manner of alternative packaging, including pouches and flat-plastic bottles. Cans are very handy for “drink now” wines and perfect for picnics, or a day at the beach. Turkey Flat’s Grenache Rosé, one of Australia’s most popular pink drinks, has just been released in 250ml cans. It is noticeably light on its feet with fresh aromatics and lively fruit flavours. Crisp and dry with lashings of berry notes, hints of spice and bright acid. Around $8 a can.
Something different
Greenskin 2023 Chardonnay
Lightweight and unbreakable, recyclable, and re-sealable, the Greenskin pouches are perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, sailing or camping. This is a new release in the format, a delightfully fresh and varietal 2023 chardonnay from the Great Southern in West Australia and made by Gavin Berry at West Cape Howe. Think stone fruit flavours and terrific refreshment. $155 per six-pack of 750ml punches from https://greenskinwine.com/
French accent
Phi 2023 Gamay Noir
Phi is one of the signature labels from Steve Webber and Leanne de Bortoli and their offspring at de Bortoli Yarra Valley, and gamay is the classic grape used in the red wines of Beaujolais in France. Gamay is a perfect wine style for our outdoor lifestyle; light, vibrant, immediately accessible and a good match for a range of foods, from barbecues to pastas and pizzas. It is quite dark in colour but has a lively youthful freshness and can be enjoyed lightly chilled. Lovely stuff. Available from independent wine stores. $38.
Drink now
Paxton 2023 PG
Viticulturist David Paxton is a long-time advocate for organic and biodynamic farming and has a worthy foil in talented winemaker Ashleigh Seymour. Together they produce an impressive range of wines at very reasonable prices. This pinot gris is made for immediate enjoyment – no point in cellaring it as its drinking nicely now with its fresh citrus flavours. This lively little number is ideal for a day at the beach, pair with some sandwiches, or a vegetable quiche. $22.
Classic Coonawarra
Yalumba 2020 The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon
There are few wine producers as consistent as Yalumba when it comes to quality and value. From their entry level wines to regional stars like this one, there will never be any doubt about what you are drinking. The Cigar is the nickname of the long, thin strip of red soil in Coonawarra, home to some of Australia’s best cabernet sauvignon wines. This is a failsafe choice for taking to a dinner party: medium to full bodied with plenty of style, lots of flavours and soft tannin structure. One of the best buys around given its price point of around $35.
See more of Winsor’s wine reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com
