The Salatin family has been making
wine in Treviso, just inland from Venice, since 1528 – and their wines are
imported into Australia by family company Vino Bambino. This is wine of lovely
balance, with cherry and spice aromas and a fresh palate that is smooth and
soft. Extremely easy to drink. A versatile food wine that would pair well with a
cheese platter. The range also includes a line-priced and equally good pinot
grigio. $19. www.vinobambino.com.au
While Tim Kirk and his team at Clonakilla are best-known for their shiraz-viognier blends and other world-class reds, the riesling is, for me, the best-value wine in the entire range. Riesling thrives in the granite soils and cool climate of Murrumbateman, outside Canberra. This is fine and lean and immediately appealing with lemon, lime and grapefruit notes, spiky acidity and lots of length. Pair this with Thai or Vietnamese dishes. While I was sipping and savouring my usually restrained wife devoured the rest of the bottle.
$32. www.clonakilla.com.au.
A beautifully savoury red from Heathcote at a very reasonable price. Sangiovese is to the "go to" Italian grape for wine lovers looking for medium-weight earthiness and balance and this offers those attractive deli notes along with bright, sweet fruit flavours, including dark cherry notes. There are some chewy tannins here, too. Older oak has added herbal palate interest and texture. This would pair brilliantly with calves liver and onions, or a pan-fried fillet steak. $24. www.tarandroses.com.au.
