Festive Wine on a budget
Wondering what wines to pair with your Christmas menu? Wine writer Winsor Dobbin has some fun suggestions that won’t break the bank.
Before lunch
Chandon Garden Orange Bitters Spritz
Chandon, one of Australia’s most famous sparkling wine producers, has taken a fun route with this refreshing spritz. It is a tangy blend of chardonnay and pinot grapes blended with an orange bitters recipe that includes navel and blood oranges, dried orange peel, herbs and spices. Think bright, lively acidity. Designed to be served in a glass over ice with a slice of lemon. $30.
With sausage/veggie rolls
Holm Oak 2024 Rosé
Here is a real treat from Tasmania, a ripping little dry rosé that is made from 100% pinot noir grapes grown and made in the Tamar Valley in the north of the Apple Isle by husband-and-wife team Tim and Bec Duffy. It is lifted and aromatic with some strawberry notes on the palate. Perfect for enjoying well chilled in the middle of the day. I’m betting that one glass will lead to a second. $30.
With a seafood platter
The Little Wine Co. 2024 Albarino
Here’s something a little bit different: a white wine made from a Spanish grape grown in the Hunter Valley. Ian and Suzanne Little from the Little Wine Co. love to experiment from their base in Broke Fordwich, where the growing conditions can be similar to north-west Spain. This is vibrant and unoaked with citrus notes to the fore and the acid to make it a perfect companion for prawns and other shellfish. Drink young. Drink well chilled. $32.
With cold ham/vegetarian treats
Oakdene 2022 Peta’s Pinot Noir
A delightful – and very good value – young pinot from Oakdene, a boutique, family-owned vineyard on the Bellarine Peninsula outside Geelong. This is a gloriously gluggable style of cool-climate pinot that could even be chilled a little on a warm day. Wild fermentation and dash of whole bunches produces a wine with serious structure that is a lot of fun with or without food. $45.
With duck or turkey
Clonakilla 2023 Hilltops Shiraz
Medium-bodied shirazes are what you need on a warm day; big reds are just too much. This one is made from fruit grown in the cool Hilltops region outside Young and is made at the legendary Clonakilla winery at Murrumbateman, where the Kirk family has been making wines for over half a century. Think dark cherry fruit with pepper and spice notes and plenty of length on the palate. Young, vibrant and festive thanks to a cool growing season. $45.
With dessert
Yalumba FWS 2023 Botrytis Viognier
A deliciously sweet wine that pairs with everything from apple pie and cream to blue cheeses. There are aromas of honeysuckle and ginger with a palate boasting 160 grams of residual sugar making it intense and luscious with ripe stone fruit flavours allied to bright acid on the finish. Made from a grape that originates in the Rhone Valley, this has personality and presence, A little goes a long way. Exotic and fun. $30 for 375ml.
See more of Winsor’s wine reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com.
