Value Propositions
Value for money is increasingly important for wine lovers. This month’s choices from wine writer Winsor Dobbin offer great value at a range of price points – but all are well under $40.
Regional wizardry
Renzaglia Collection 2024 Pinot Noir
This is part of a new range from the Renzaglia family, which comprises six wines from the New South Wales Central Ranges, all sourced from outstanding vineyards that reflect regional character. This, along with the chardonnay, was my pick: made with cool-climate precision. It is certainly second, and third, glass worthy. The fruit was picked from Gerald Naef’s long-established Patina Vineyard in Orange. $37.
Kiwi cracker
Rabbit Ranch 2024 Bright Eyes White Pinot
If you enjoy wines with a point of difference, this salmon-coloured but savoury wine from Central Otago in the south of New Zealand might tickle your fancy. It a pink-tinged pinot noir that is treated like a white wine in the winery. The grapes were hand-picked and quickly pressed, then fermented as white juice. The result is an off dry wine that is lively and food friendly. Ideal for summer quaffing. Pair with spicy dishes, smoked trout, or a charcuterie plate. $26.
Barossa beauty
Turkey Flat 2023 Grenache Shiraz Mataro
Looking for a bold but well-balanced red wine for a spring barbecue? This blend of three grapes that shine in the Barossa has plenty of palate appeal and would be a reliably good choice. The Schulz family, former butchers, now vignerons, sourced the fruit from some of the older vines from the Turkey Flat vineyard In Tanunda. This has lovely dark fruit flavours, along with savoury notes. It would pair with anything from gourmet snags to a Sunday roast. $27.
Italian accent
Rewild 2025 Fiano
There are very few $10 wines that are worth buying nowadays, but the 2025 whites from Rewild are an exception to that rule. The 2025 sauvignon blanc under the same label is also very fresh and vibrant, making both good choices for anyone on a budget. Fiano is an Italian grape variety from in the Campania region in the south and on the island of Sicily that is becoming increasingly popular in Australia because it thrives in warm climates. Give this one from the Murray Darling region a good chill and enjoy with seafood, or as a simple spring thirst quencher. $10.
Intriguing import
Marchesini 2023 Piemonte Vino Rosso
ALDI supermarkets offer several outstanding red imports that represent terrific value. This is a prime example – and a particularly good example of Italian savoury characters from winemaker Massimo Marasso. Red fruits, subtle oak, smoky notes, and spice combine to create a very food-friendly medium-bodied wine that would pair well with anything from porchetta to pasta dishes. An excellent midweek choice. On sale until October 21. $13.
Pleasure pouch
Greenskin 2025 Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
The quality of the wines from West Australian-based Greenskin – sold in handy, light recyclable pouches – is improving all the time. This is a classic Margaret River white blend made by the winemaking team at highly regarded Naturaliste Vintners that offers immediate drinking pleasure. It is fruit forward with zingy freshness. A perfect choice for a picnic, or a day at the beach with a few friends. Sold in six-packs of 750ml pouches for $135.
See more of Winsor’s wine reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com
