First Ridge 2025 Fiano

 
Fiano is a white wine grape that is grown primarily in the Campania region of southern Italy and on Sicily. In Australia it is proving a very popular alternative variety, making refreshing wines best enjoyed chilled. This a twin release (along with a 2025 Vermentino) from First Ridge Wines at Mudgee in the Central West of NSW. Partial wild ferment has added palate texture, but the wine was fermented in stainless steel, ensuring maximum freshness. Made by experienced winemaker James Manners, it has already enjoyed show success and would be a good partner for anything from broiled lobster to fish fingers. $30. www.firstridge.com.au

Turkey Flat 2025 Rosé

 

Thoroughly modern, thoroughly delicious and perfect for enjoying over the summer holidays. Floral, fresh and feisty with summer berry, stone fruit and crisp apple flavours, this would pair brilliantly with everything from ham and turkey cold cuts to a beach picnic. It is made from grenache grown in the Barossa Valley and is best enjoyed served well chilled while still youthful and vibrant. Very well priced, too, at $27. https://www.turkeyflat.com.au/

Oxford Landing 2024 Cabernet Shiraz

 

This is a perfect choice for when friends drop by for a barbecue. Oxford Landing always offers good value for money and this blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz is a ripper "midweek" red for immediate enjoyment. It is dark with berry, currant and cherry flavours, hints of spice, and made in a soft, easy-to-drink style that would match with burgers, sausages, lamb chops or mushroom dishes. Fruity on the mid-palate but dry on the finish, this is an impressive effort for $13. https://www.oxfordlanding.com/ 

Pizzini 2025 Pinot Grigio

 

I've tried several excellent white wines from the Pizzini family over the past couple of weeks and while it is hard to pick a favourite this excellent Italian-accented pinot grigio offers a lot of summer drinking pleasure at a very fair price. The Pizzinis grow and make their wines in the King Valley in north-east Victoria, but their wines all carry a taste of the family home: Trentino in the cool north of Italy. This is unoaked, fresh, vibrant and full of youthful joy. It would be perfect with coldld ham, or turkey dishes, or even fish and chips. Think pear and Granny Smith apple characters and vibrant zingy citrus acidity on the finish. Perfect for enjoying chilled on the back deck watching the cricket. $25. https://www.pizzini.com.au/ 

Veuve Monsigny NV Premier Cru Brut Champagne

Light, brisk and breezy Champagne for under $40 a bottle? It's hard to go wrong with this seasonal special at ALDI supermarkets, made by the team from Philizot et Fills at Reuil in the Marne Valley. There is nothing complex here. but there is plenty of enjoyment for parties or family gatherings (or perhaps with fish and chips) and at half the price of many of its competitors. It is a traditional Champagne blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay grapes with fresh citrus flavours to the fore, vibrant bubbles and plenty of length. A lot of fun. $39.99 but seen on special for $34.99. https://www.aldi.com.au/

Coriole 2025 Negroamaro

 

Coriole is a family-owned and -operated wine producer in McLaren Vale with a long, impressive history of pioneering wines made from alternative grape varieties including piquepoul, fiano, sangiovese and montepulciano. This is a beguiling, medium-bodied and food-friendly "drink now" red made from negroamaro, a savoury red grape that is native to the warm climate of Puglia in southern Italy. It is an ideal choice to have a bottle or two on hand when friends pop by to share some pizza or a bowl of pasta. It is fruit-driven with bright aromas, some earthy notes and brisk acid on the finish. Fun and flavoursome. $30. https://www.coriole.com/

Moss Wood 2025 Amy's Cuvée Blanc

 

Here's a classic regional blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc from one of the founding wine producers in Margaret River; albeit with a difference. The Moss Wood 2025 Amy’s Cuvée Blanc is a new addition to the range. It is semillon-driven and barrel fermented to add texture and complexity. That sets its apart from its regional rivals with its palate weight and interest. There are vivacious tropical and herbaceous notes on the palate, savoury elements, oaky hints and impressive balance. One for short-term enjoyment. Pair with blackened fish for a fun food and wine match. $41. https://www.mosswood.com.au/