
February is a great month for a backyard barbecue or pizza feast. Whether you choose, seafood, sausages, or a vegetarian option, wine writer Winsor Dobbin has some top wine suggestions to match with your food.
Local hero
Stockman’s Ridge 2022 “Rider” Cabernet Sauvignon
Here is a little taste of Bordeaux the wilds of the NSW Central West. It is a lovely, savoury and elegant expression of cool-climate cabernet with green hints but excellent balance. The wine spent a couple of weeks on skins before being matured in older oak barrels, and a dash of cabernet franc was added to the final blend. This is from a cool year in the Orange region. It is astutely judged and offers very good-value drinking. $30.
Cool dude
Clonakilla 2024 Riesling
The vineyards around Canberra are proving excellent for growing riesling grapes, and this is the perfect partner for some whole fish cooked Thai-style on the barbie. From regional wine pioneers the Kirk family, probably better known for their excellent red wines, this comes from a cracking vintage and offers classic floral aromas, lively lemon/lime and grapefruit on the palate and some bright minerality and acid on the finish. $38.
Pleasurable Pinot
Chard Farm 2022 Mata Au Pinot Noir
If you enjoy your pinots with some power and persistence this one from Chard Farm in Central Otago might be up your alley. This is a medium-bodied blend of grapes from the Lowburn and Parkburn sub-regions using fruit from the Tiger, Viper and Mason vineyards, all of which are proven producers of quality fruit. This would be a very amiable companion to a couple of barbecued lamb chops. Think cherry and wild strawberry flavours with a savoury, silky finish. $58.
Sustainability Plus
Greenskin 2024 Great Western Chardonnay
A picnic, beach walk, or barbie? The wines from Greenskin come in sustainable, recyclable pouches and are much lighter in weight than bottles, and easier to carry. This is an outstanding new release, crafted by Gavin Berry at West Cape Howe in the Great Southern region of WA. It is a vibrant and impressively balanced young chardonnay ready to enjoy right now. Best drunk well chilled, perhaps with some spicy grilled prawns. $26 each in six packs through https://greenskinwine.com/
Mid-strength red
Yalumba Y Series 2023 Lighter Shiraz
Yalumba’s Y Series wines always offer excellent value for money; and now mid-strength releases – at 8% alcohol – have been added to the range. This still tastes like wine but has around half the alcohol content. Think dark cherry flavours and a light, bright palate. It could easily be chilled for an hour or two on a warm autumn day and enjoyed with a veggie burger or gourmet snags. $15.
Summer treat
Zonzo 2024 Pinot Grigio
In the dying days of summer this nifty Italian-accented small-batch pinot grigio is a fun thirst quencher. From a winery in Victoria’s Yarra Valley that has a reputation for its cellar door pizzas, this would be perfect paired with pizze, or pasta dishes with mussels or prawns. Not a wine for thinking about too much but perfect for quaffing. Zesty, tangy and vegan friendly. $35.
See more of Winsor’s wine reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com.





