Moss Wood 2021 Amy's red blend

This is not the most expensive wine in the excellent Moss Wood range, nor is it the highest profile, But it is certainly one of the best value: a medium-bodied Bordeaux blend from Margaret River with impeccable balance and dangerous drinkability. The blend is 68% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 7% malbec and 5% petit verdot - so very Left Bank influenced. Plenty of colour, oodles of flavour with older French oak contributing complexity without any obvious influence on the ripe, dark fruit characters. Silky, soft and seductive and ready for immediate enjoyment. We enjoyed this with croquettes made from leftover turkey, but it would pair well with just about any red or white meat dish. $42. www.mosswood.com.au/

Amigo de la Tierra 2021 Garnacha Tempranillo

 

This might just be the best-value red wine import in Australia right now. It is a vibrant young and food-friendly blend of garnacha (grenache) and tempranillo from Spain that would work a treat as companion to just about any grilled red meat dishes, or perhaps some stuffed mushrooms. Made organically and bottled under screwcap, this is lip-smackingly good with a great balance between fruit and savoury characters. Unoaked, I suspect, and soft and juicy. A perfect choice for a holiday barbecue. Distributed by Single Vineyard Sellers and ridiculously undervalued with an RRP of $20. Vegan friendly, too. https://www.singlevineyards.com/ 

De Bortoli 2022 Ti Amo Fiano

 

Here is a fun new release from De Bortoli that is perfect for enjoying well chilled on a summer day, perhaps with a bucket of prawns and mayo, or maybe some pan-fried whitebait. Seriously bright and vibrant, crisp and dry with zingy acid on the palate, it is made from a southern Italian grape variety grown in Rutherglen and the King Valley of north-east Victoria. You'll find citrus and fresh stone fruit vibrancy along with hints of lively minerality that encourage quaffing a second glass, and maybe a third. Freshness in a glass, and vegan-friendly, too. Good value with an RRP of $19.95. www.debortoli.com.au/

Angullong 2021 Fossil Hill Sangiovese

Take an Australian family winery, a classic Italian grape variety and a Canadian-born winemaker and you have a winning combination. Angullong is a family owned operation outside Orange in the Central West of New South Wales, located about 350km west of Sydney. The Crossing family has planted a range of Italian grape varieties, including sangiovese, which is the grape used in Tuscany's renowned Chiantis. Winemaker Jeff Byrne has crafted a delightful medium-bodied red here, with an appealing balance between blue fruit flavours and savoury/herbal/deli notes. There's a lovely softeness on the finish and this would pair brilliantly with most pasta and pizza dishes. $30. www.angullong.com.au/