When people think of Australian wine their minds tend to lean towards a big, buttery chardonnay or a big, jammy shiraz, which of course have cult-like followings, but a new generation of Australian winemakers are whipping up wines far more interesting than that.
There are plenty of juicy, delicious, and well-priced wines coming out of Australia which are perfect for the barbecue season, but if you’re ready to try something different there’s slew of new, funky wine brands that offer a fresh take on things, too. Some are versions of classic varieties with a twist, while others are working with the likes of fiano, sangiovese, zibibbo, and barbera.
Mojo Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
McLaren Vale,
$20.99, Black Market
Juicy dark plum, redcurrant, and cassis with touches of oaky spices are found on the nose and on the palate. The type of silky smooth, medium-bodied red that you can enjoy with or without food but is perfect with roast dinners and smoked meats. Exceptional value for money.
Save our Souls Skin Contact Rosé 2018
Yarra Valley,
$28.00, Star Superette
Skin contact or ‘orange wine’ is a growing trend in the wine world. A blend of pinot noir and sangiovese, this rosé has amazing texture and savoury notes on the palate, and is very versatile for food matching. Serve with charcuterie platters and seafood dishes with a bit of spice.
Paxton NOW Shiraz 2021
McLaren Vale,
$25.99, The Good Wine Co
An organic wine, deep crimson in colour with amazing aromas of dark berries, ripe plum, and hints of vanilla, it smells like diving into a berry compote. The palate is juicy and filled with ripe fruit that is balanced with a soft acidity and very fine tannins. Serve at a barbecue on the weekend!
Unico Zelo Harvest Blanc de Blancs
South Australia,
$32.00 by the bottle
Delicious aromas and flavours of red apple, white fleshed stone fruits, and ripe citrus accompanied by tiny, persistent bubbles on a refreshing, dry palate. A vegan- and vegetarian-friendly sparkling wine made from 100% chardonnay, it’s perfect for popping on a sunny afternoon with friends.
Maverick Twins Barrel Select GSM 2018
Barossa
$32.00, Glengarry Stores
A blend of grenache, shiraz and mourvedre with fantastic aromas of juicy red fruit, olive tapenade, spice, and touches of smoky oak. A medium-bodied wine packed with vibrant flavours of red plum, red cherry, and raspberry with a whack of acidity that leads to a spicy finish filled with pepper and anise.
WORDS — Angie Atkinson, The Wine Writer
