La Prova 2020 Sangiovese

 

Take a vinous trip to Italy with Sam Scott's impressive  - and affordable - La Prova range from the Adelaide Hills. I also loved the new-release 2021 Pinot Grigio, but this shines as an all-purpose, food-friendly savoury red choice. Sangiovese is a hugely versatile grape and this is medium-bodied, vibrant, fresh and fragrant with some appealing savoury notes. Think dark cherry flavours and fully integrated older oak. Pair with pizza, pasta or a deli platter. Soft  and smooth, wild fermented, unfined and unfiltered. Vegan friendly.  $26. www.laprova.com.au/

DCB Wine 2019 Worri Yallock Single Vineyard Chardonnay

Chris Bendle is a young winemaker to watch. He cut his teeth working for the d'Anna family at Hoddles Creek but also makes small-batch Yarra Valley wines under his own DCB Wine label. This is an outstanding cool-climate chardonnay - beautifully balanced, sourced from the Lone Star Creek vineyard at Worri Yallock. Think indigenous yeasts, judicious lees stirring and pure fruit flavours. This begs to be enjoyed with roast pork and crackling. $35. www.dcbwine.com.au/

Peter Lehmann VSV 1885 2017 Shiraz

A classic Barossa old vines shiraz from one of the most reliable producers in the region - a change of ownership has not impacted on quality. This speaks softly but carries a big stick; it's not overly showy but it does offer a lot of favour and harmony. This comes from one of several special pockets of vines and has lashings of dark plummy fruit alongside peppery notes, well-balanced charry oak and soft tannins. The finish is plush and offers immediate drinking pleasure with a promise of a long cellaring life. You'd be very happy to pair this wine with a char-grilled steak or mushroom burger. $55. www.peterlehmannwines.com/

Amigo de la Tierra 2018 Tempranillo Syrah

 

An extremely tasty slice of Spain for a bargain price. What's not to like? This is a certified organic blend of tempranillo and syrah (shiraz) that is also vegan friendly. It's a terrific midweek choice; savoury and bouncy with vibrant black fruit flavours very much to the fore. You could pair this with anything from a cheese platter to a gourmet burger. Imported by Single Vineyard Cellars, who have several impressive imports in their range. This one is under screwcap, too. $20. www.singlevineyards.com/