Looking for wines for autumn that are both affordable and food friendly? Wine writer Winsor Dobbin selects some of his choices for under $50, recent favourites, veering towards reds as the temperatures drop.
Italian classic
Castello di Meleto 2022 Chianti Classico
There are hundreds of Italian wine styles – and many wines made from Italian grape varieties here in Australia – but when it comes to affordable luxury, a good Chianti Classico invariably delivers class and quality. Made from 100% sangiovese grapes grown in the hills beneath an ancient castle in Tuscany, this Single Vineyard Sellers’ import offers a delicious blend of fruit and savoury characters, perfect for taking to your favourite Leichhardt or Haberfield BYO. $50.
Classy white
Quartier 2025 Pinot Gris
Quartier is the entry level label for Mornington Peninsula producers Port Phillip Estate and Kooyong and offers excellent drinking without a hefty price tag. Pinot gris is enjoying immense popularity right now, and this one is in the zone for immediate enjoyment. Made by highly credentialed Tim Perrin from quality local fruit, it offers a style that sits midway between gris and grigio and paired impressively with old school fish and chips. $32.
Savoury star
Angullong 2024 Fossil Hill Barbera
Angullong is a family business located in the foothills of Mount Canobolas in Orange. This well-priced new release is one of a trio of Italian varietals made by Canadian-born Jeff Byrne and it emphasises how well-suited Italian grapes are to the warmer parts of the region. This is food friendly with some nice savoury notes and impressive balance. Pair with pasta or pizza dishes. As an aside, the Angullong cellar door in Millthorpe is well worth a visit if you find yourself in the Central West. $30.
Dashing durif
Calabria 2024 Three Bridges Durif
Durif, sometimes called petite sirah and a relative of shiraz, is an unfashionable grape variety that originated in south-eastern France and was once known for its contribution to Australian fortified wines. The fact many people are unfamiliar with the name means it can offer excellent value, as is the case here in a wine made by the Calabria family in the Riverina. This concentrated wine bolstered with American oak offers great depth of flavour and demands a hearty food match; rabbit casserole, beef cheeks, or a lamb ragu. $25.
Pinotphile pleasure
Oakridge Hazeldene 2024 Pinot Noir
Yarra Valley producer Oakridge is at the very pinnacle of pinot noir-making in Australia, and the Vineyard Series wines made by David Bicknell and his team offer some of the best sub-$50 drinking to be found in Australia. Made from fruit grown in volcanic soils, this is extremely varietal, offering cool-climate brightness and fresh acid with palate character added by 10 months spent in quality French oak. Pair with duck pancakes for a top-notch food match. $48.
Bargain Buy
Rewild 2025 Shiraz
It is pretty hard to find any sub-$10 wines that are worth drinking but this is a lively red quaffer from the Murray Darling region that offers plenty of bang for your buck. There are lashings of dark fruit flavour here, and you could pair with anything from a backyard barbecue to a gourmet burger. The Rewild range is available nationally at Dan Murphy’s and selected BWS stores, and the wines are sustainably made. $10.
See more of Winsor’s wine news and reviews at www.gourmetontheroad.com
