Dal Zotto NV Pucino Spritz

 

What a great little summer thirst quencher this is from the Dal Zotto family in the KIng Valley in north-east Victoria. It is a bodacious little bottle of fun made from Dal Zotto's prosecco blended with house-made, ultra citrusy limoncello. Unlike some of its rivals [a couple of which taste like toilet cleaner] this is one of the most refreshing spritzes I've sampled this year with lively grapefruit and lemon citrus notes and a sensible 9% alcohol. This needs to be enjoyed well chilled, or poured over ice, on a warm day watching the cricket. $22. https://www.dalzotto.com.au/

Flametree S.R.S 2024 Karridale Sauvignon Blanc

A sauvignon blanc that defies expectations with a whole lot happening on the palate. Wild fermentation and maturation on yeast lees has given this some savoury elements on the palate, alongside the tropical fruit notes and acid you'd expect from young Margaret River sauvignon blanc. There's some sea shell elements, too, in a white that delivers on texture and complexity along with attractive fruit notes. A definite winner for pairing with pork or chicken dishes and wine that can be enjoyed now, or over the next couple of years. $40. https://www.flametreewines.com/

Oliver's Taranga 2023 Sagrantino

One of an impressive set of new releases from Oliver's Taranga in McLaren Vale, this is made from a relatively obscure grape that originates in Umbria, Italy, and delivers a whole lot of flavour and texture when grown in South Australia. Sixth generation winemaker Corinna Wright tags it as a perfect partner for porchetta, but in reality it has the structure and personality to be paired with just about any Italian dish from pizzas and spag bol to fine dining. Dark, herbal, powerful and cellar worthy. If you haven't tried the variety it is well worth giving it a whirl. $55. https://www.oliverstaranga.com/ 

Hay Shed Hill 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

 

Here's the Australian summer in a bottle; a super slurpable blend of Margaret River sauvignon blanc and semillon from winemaker Michael Kerrigan that is ready to enjoy right now while it still has all its youth exuberance. Vibrant aromas and flavours shine here with tropical fruit flavours getting very comfy with some grassy, herbaceous notes. You could enjoy a couple of glasses of this on the back verandah on a warm day, or pair it with fish and chips, or a cold seafood platter. It finishes fresh, dry and delicious. $22. https://hayshedhill.com.au/  

DAOSA Picadilly Valley Natural Reserve 7th Release

Welcome to the seventh release of Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser's DAOSA Natural Réserve from their estate vineyards in the cool Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills. The sixth was also outstanding. This one is all about purity - and complexity - not an easy combo to achieve. It is a classic blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier made in the traditional style. There is an impressive bead with fresh acidity and plenty of length on the palate. This could be enjoyed as an aperitif, or with food, and would be an inspired choice in the lead-up to the festive season. $59. https://terreaterre.com.au/products/daosa-natural-reserve-7th-release/

Pikes 2024 Luccio Fiano

 

Meet a splendid summer drink at a very reasonable price point. Clare Valley vignerons Pikes - best known for their stellar rieslings - having been making wines using the heat-resistant Sicilian grape variety fiano for over a decade now, and they have hit the bullseye for refreshing drinking and compatibility with a wide range of food styles. Lively fruit flavours are the key to the appeal - the wine is unwooded and made in a similar style to riesling. It is floral and citrusy. Pair with picnics, seafood dishes, fish fingers, pizzas. Just about anything really. For those wondering about the name, Luccio is the Italian word for the pike fish. $26. www.pikeswines.com.au. 

Zema 2019 Estate Shiraz

 

A couple of months ago I reviewed the 2019 Zema Estate cabernet sauvignon and found it offered superb value. Good news for shiraz lovers; the 2019 shiraz from this Coonawarra producer is equally impressive, and offers similar affordable drinking. The Zema team don't rush to release their reds. They start to sell them when they think they are at their peak: in this case at five years of age. This is a delightful medium-bodied shiraz with soft tannins, fleshy fruit and well-judged French and American oak. The family says this will repay cellaring for at least 10 years. But it is terrific right now. $27. https://www.zema.com.au/