You don’t have to spend big bucks to drink well over the holidays. Wine writer Winsor Dobbin has taste tested some excellent drops that won’t break the budget.
Pretty in pink
Nerissimo 2024 Primitivo Rosé
There cannot be many wines that represent better summer drinking than this fun, dry rosé from Puglia in Italy that is one of the season offerings in ALDI supermarkets. Perfect for enjoying chilled on the back deck, or paired with some mummus and baba ganouge dips. This has a delghtful youthful vibrancy wth hints of vivacious pear drop lolly characters. It is fresh, light and unashamedly casual. A wine for knocking back and enjoying, it is made from the pimitivo grape, a close relative of zinfandel. Nifty bottle, too. $15.
Hunter hit
Gundog Estate 2024 Hunter’s Shiraz
Looking for something classy to pair with sausage rolls or steak sandwiches over the holiday? This very classy Hunter Valley shiraz comes in well under $50 and offers stylish, sassy medium-weight red drinking pleasure. Talented winemaker Matt Burton has used grapes from premium old-vine sites, fermented in open top vats and matured in French oak puncheons. The result is a very smooth and stylish red that is immediate fun but could also be cellared for a few years. $46.
Versatile chardonnay
Calabria Three Bridges 2024 Chardonnay
The Calabria family is celebrating 80 years of winemaking in Australia and has expanded its operations from the Riverina to several cooler sites, including the Adelaide Hills. This is a very well-made chardonnay with widespread appeal that would pair with anything from seafood to a turkey salad. Fruit-driven, it has impressive length and some textural elements but finishes crisp and refreshing. Widely available, it is a fun all-purpose white for $20.
Seasonal fun
Brand’s Laira 2025 Old Station Sauvignon Blanc
Coonawarra is much better known for its red wines than its whites, but the whites from long-time regional stalwart Brands Lair all show a deft touch from winemaker Brooke Blair, who has delivered excellent drinking at a very fair price. Old Station was named in honour of the first single track rail line which opened in Coonawarra in 1887 and today borders the vineyards. This is unoaked and is designed to be enjoyed young. Think lemon, green apple, and tropical/stonefruit flavours with energetic minerality and bright acid. Bright, zesty, and perfect with some cold turkey. $20.
Italian bubbles
Santa Margherita NV Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Both Tasmania and Victoria are making world-class sparkling wines, but Prosecco is all the rage right now – and a very affordable choice for celebrating in style. This apéritif-style import comes all the way from northern Italy – the home of prosecco – and is fresh, nicely balanced and very food-friendly. You could pair this posh prosecco with finger food, Christmas lunches, or with desserts. There are vibrant citrus and peach aromas and flavours with a sunny summer vibe.Available from Dan Muphy’s and BWS stores. $23.
Pinot star
Wickhams Road 2025 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir
Wickhams Road is the super-impressive entry level label of the Hoddles Creek wine brand that is one of the shining stars in the Yarra Valley in Victoria. Winemaker Franco d’Anna is a wizard at producing wines that over-deliver on value. This a combo of some relatively new plantings and some declassified fruit, all 100% estate grown at Hoddles Creek. Medium bodied, it is designed to be slurped over summer – and you could even chill it a little on a warm day. A serious bargain. $20.
See more of Winsor’s wine tips and news at www.gourmetontheroad.com.
