Stefano Lubiana 2020 Riesling

 

Rieslings from Tasmania are criminally under-rated, perhaps because many are a tad high in acidity when they are first released. This has been given time to settle and has lovely crispness and varietal flavours without the stinging acidity. It is a terrific bargain given it ticks so many hipster boxes being biodynamic, organic and vegan-friendly. Made from grapes grown overlooking the Derwent Valley north of Hobart, it is vibrant, minerally, citrusy and very refreshing. My bottle simply evaporated. Pair with oysters, pan-fried flathead or even a Thai stir-fry. $33. www.slw.com.au

Taylors estate label 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Sauvignon blanc is not as trendy as it once was, but it can still be a very refreshing drink when done well. Clare Valley-based Taylors, whose wines are reliably well made and well priced, have moved outside their home region and sourced fruit from the cooler Adelaide Hills for this very attractive wine, perhaps more classic dry white in style than traditional savvy, but a really nice light style that is fresh and lively with passionfruit and Granny Smith notes and some vibrant acid. For those who care about such things it is vegan friendly. Pair with a quiche and salad, fish and chips or some oysters. Very good lunchtime or afternoon drinking. $22. www.taylorswines.com.au/  

La Noblesse 2020 Cabernet Franc

 

Cabernet franc is one of the grape varieties that shines in the lovely Loire Valley in France - and this is impressively varietal and terrific value for money. Fresh and lively with six months in oak adding some palate structure, it is very smooth, light-to medium bodied and extremely food friendly. This has bright red berry flavours and refreshment value if given a 30-minute chill prior to serving. Imported Fourth Wave Wines. Try with chilli con carne. $23. www.fourthwavewine.com.au/   

Pizzini 2021 Brachetto

 

The Pizzini family makes a whole lot more expensive wines than this in the King Valley of north-east Victoria, but I doubt there are many in the range that are more fun. Brachetto is a red Italian grape variety grown mainly in the Piedmont region, where it produces light-bodied wines with flavours of wild strawberries. This style is a close cousin of Moscato, frizzante, lively and quite sweet - but very refreshing. You could pair this with everything from scrambled eggs and bacon (it would be a lovely breakfast wine) to a cheese and charcuterie platter. Chill well. Drink young. $22. www.pizzini.com.au/