You do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy a good drink. Wine writer Winsor’s Dobbin’s March choices can all be found for $35 or under.
Affordable gem
Meerea Park 2023 XYZ Shiraz
The Eather brothers produce an eclectic range of stylish wines from the Hunter Valley – but this one is probably the best buy for anyone on a budget. It is a lovely young shiraz, very well balanced and it paired well with a home-made shepherd’s pie. Old school – but good. The grapes come from the Lochleven vineyard in Pokolbin and were hand-picked and open fermented before being matured for 18 months in 20% new French oak puncheons. Don’t wait, this one is ready for immediate enjoyment. $30.
Stylish choice
First Ridge 2024 Pinot Grigio
Mudgee region pioneer Carlo Corino discovered decades ago that the district was well suited for growing grape varieties that originate in Italy. First Ridge owner and vigneron John Nicholas has just released his first pinot grigio, made by consultant winemaker James Manners, and it is a delicious drop, sitting somewhere between gris and grigio in terms of style. This one is very food friendly with a balance between pear flavours and textural elements, and a brisk, clean finish. Grippy and good with seafood or poultry dishes. $28.
Sweet thing
De Bortoli NV Muscat Aperitif
Here is a quite different take on muscat from Rutherglen, a wine that is traditionally made as a lush, intense dessert style. Here winemaker Marc Scalzo has changed the playbook by creating a lighter, more contemporary take on this iconic style; one that can be enjoyed chilled as an aperitif. There is still honeyed sweetness here, but also a refreshing acid on the finish. Scalzo says it can be enjoyed at room temperature, over ice, or mixed into cocktails. $28.
Smooth operator
Terre a Terre 2022 Crayeres Vineyard Cabernet Franc
This is a smooth, sophisticated, and stylish red wine that offers brilliant value and would be an ideal choice for a dinner party. Cabernet franc is often mixed with other Bordeaux varieties, but here it is the star of the show, blended with just a little shiraz to lift the middle palate. This a classic medium-bodied wine from the Limestone Coast region of South Australia, super food friendly, with floral aromas and dark fruit with a savoury edge. A great companion for a rabbit casserole. $35.
Summer fun
Mojo Tivo NV Blood Orange Spritz
Fruity spritzes have been all the rage this summer – and this is one of the best I’ve tasted. It is super refreshing when served over ice. From the Joval Wines group, this has a real blood orange flavour to it, with a vivacious citrus tang. It is made using Mojo’s prosecco as the base and is fruity but not too sweet, unlike many of its rivals. A lovely option for enjoying on the deck after work on one of the dying days of sunshine. There is also a lemon flavour in the range. $20.
Juicy Red
Oliver’s Taranga 2024 Grenache
Barbecue anyone? Here is a juicy, rambunctious young grenache from a family winery in McLaren Vale that has been making good stuff for 185 years. Grenache is one of Australia’s most under-rated grape varieties; it is rustic, spicy, earthy, and delicious in its youth and thrives in warmer regions like the Fleurieu Peninsula. Wineamaker Corrina Wright suggests pairing it with pizza, but I’d opt for a lamb chop. $32.
See more of Winsor’s wine reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com.
