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/

Merité 2021 Merlot Rosé

My monthly tasting group are a fairly fussy bunch with strong opinions about what they do and do not like. This stood out from a group of grenache-based roses last month with a consensus about its freshness and vibrancy. There was also general satisfaction with the price. This is a lively, pale and lightly savoury rosé made from new clones of merlot grapes that are shining at Merité at Wrattonbully on the Limestone Coast of South Australia. Fun to drink and a lovely lunchtime wine. Serve this chilled with a Lebanese platter. $24. https://meritewines.com/

Terre a Terre 2019 Les Crayeres Cabernet Franc Shiraz

 

Not only is this wine singing right now, it also offers quite formidably good value. An unusual blend of cabernet franc and shiraz (Bordeaux meets the Rhone) from the Limestone Coast in South Australia, the new vintage is a particularly strong one, according to Xavier Bizot and Lucy Croser. It is, as far as we know, the only such blend in Australia. As my Instagram followers know, I opened a bottle a few nights ago planning just a couple of sips but found myself with an empty bottle. I'm a little flabbergasted that a wine this good retails for just $32. I'd snap some up before it has sold out. https://terreaterre.com.au/

    

De Iuliis 2021 Pecorino

 

This is quite a discovery; a brilliantly flavoursome young white designed for enjoying in its youth. The pecorino grape, not to be confused with the Italian cheese of the same name, originates from the Marche and Abruzzo regions of Italy and the de Iuliis family were among the first to plant the grape in the Hunter Valley. The grapes allegedly got their name because the local sheep (pecora) were known to eat them from the vines. This is pale straw in colour, both fragrant and fruity, with plenty of length on the dry palate. Sensible alcohol levels at 12%, too. A seriously delicious wine for summer enjoyment with or without food. $25. www.dewine.com.au.

Elderton 2019 Barossa Shiraz

 

Here's an impressive Barossa shiraz that somehow manages to combine regional power with some elegance and style. There is no doubting the rich fruit on display from three estate vineyards with forest berries, dark chocolate and hints of spice all on offer. But there is also some restraint from minerally tannin structure and astutely judged vanillin oak. Very impressive; very stylish, very affordable. Pair with roast lamb en croute. $32. https://eldertonwines.com.au/