Carillion 2021 ‘Lovable Rogue’ Fiano

Looking for a perfect partner for some spicy Asian dishes? Look no further. Made from the Italian grape fiano and grown at the Tallavera Grove vineyard in the Hunter Valley, this has been crafted as a slightly ‘off-dry’ style, with five grams per litre residual sugar. That hint of sweetness would be a perfect foil for some chilli spice from Thailand or Malaysia. This is appealing and aromatic with thirst-quenching acidity on the finish. $30. www.carillionwines.com.au. 

NX Gen 2020 McLaren Vale Grenache

 

The new generation of juicy, drink-now grenaches are an ideal choice for winter quaffing with their lively bright fruit and soft, juicy palate. A floral nose leads on to a berry-fuelled palate that finishes with a smoothness that encourages a second glass. And a third. This is made by Shingleback Wines as an exclusive for Dan Murphy's stores. Enjoy while young and pair with a burger with the lot. $25.    

L'Artisan 2019 Le Grenache Noir

 

There's a whole lot of juicy vinous pleasure to be found here for under $20. A new release from Languedoc value master Jean-Claude Mas, this has striking packaging to match what is in the bottle. This Pays d'Oc wine is made from quite young vines but speaks with a loud voice with plenty of youthful energy. It is all about the fruit with French and American oak very much in the background behind black fruit flavours and some dark pepper notes. Pair with a steak and kidney casserole or pie for maximum drinking gratification. You'll find it at Dan Murphy stores. $19.95.  

Pewsey Vale 2021 Riesling

You simply cannot go past Pewsey Vale for high-quality Eden Valley riesling at a sensible price. The Pewsey Vale vineyard was planted high in the Eden Valley in South Australia in 1847 and is now owned by the Hill-Smith family of Yalumba renown. Winemaker Louisa Rose delivers a classic cool-climate riesling; dry with elegance, drive and finesse. Floral with citrus flavours to the fore, this is fresh, minerally and very drinkable. Pair with seafood dishes or Vietnamese cuisine. $26. www.pewseyvale.com/

La Prova 2020 Sangiovese

 

Take a vinous trip to Italy with Sam Scott's impressive  - and affordable - La Prova range from the Adelaide Hills. I also loved the new-release 2021 Pinot Grigio, but this shines as an all-purpose, food-friendly savoury red choice. Sangiovese is a hugely versatile grape and this is medium-bodied, vibrant, fresh and fragrant with some appealing savoury notes. Think dark cherry flavours and fully integrated older oak. Pair with pizza, pasta or a deli platter. Soft  and smooth, wild fermented, unfined and unfiltered. Vegan friendly.  $26. www.laprova.com.au/

DCB Wine 2019 Worri Yallock Single Vineyard Chardonnay

Chris Bendle is a young winemaker to watch. He cut his teeth working for the d'Anna family at Hoddles Creek but also makes small-batch Yarra Valley wines under his own DCB Wine label. This is an outstanding cool-climate chardonnay - beautifully balanced, sourced from the Lone Star Creek vineyard at Worri Yallock. Think indigenous yeasts, judicious lees stirring and pure fruit flavours. This begs to be enjoyed with roast pork and crackling. $35. www.dcbwine.com.au/

Peter Lehmann VSV 1885 2017 Shiraz

A classic Barossa old vines shiraz from one of the most reliable producers in the region - a change of ownership has not impacted on quality. This speaks softly but carries a big stick; it's not overly showy but it does offer a lot of favour and harmony. This comes from one of several special pockets of vines and has lashings of dark plummy fruit alongside peppery notes, well-balanced charry oak and soft tannins. The finish is plush and offers immediate drinking pleasure with a promise of a long cellaring life. You'd be very happy to pair this wine with a char-grilled steak or mushroom burger. $55. www.peterlehmannwines.com/