Friday, February 22, 2019

Salatin 2017 Pinot Nero


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

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Clonakilla 2018 Riesling


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.

Friday, February 1, 2019

Tar & Roses 2017 Sangiovese


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.