Domaine de la Cadette 2011 L'Ermitage

A delightfully juicy and earthy Burgundy - affordable too - with an interesting point of difference. The wine is made from 80% pinot noir, blended with 20% of the ancient and rare césar grape that is allowed in the Yonne region. The vines grow on a steep south-facing slope, at a place called l'Ermitage, outside the village of St Pere sous Vezelay, hence the name. What I liked most about the wine was its sheer drinkability. It is bright and vibrant with glossy berry fruit but also with some attractive mushroomy savouriness. Simply delicious and with just 11.5% alcohol. It was produced by a winery that makes the house wines for multiple-hatted local chef superstar Marc Meneau. $36. www.livingwines.com.au. 

Calabria 2012 Private Bin Pinot Bianco

Sometimes you want a white wine that doesn't require too much contemplation. A simple wine for enjoying on a warm day, maybe with a salad or a sandwich. This is just such a wine; alarmingly affordable and deliciously drinkable. Pinot blanc, or bianco in Italian, is a lesser known white cousin of pinot noir that thrives in warmer climes, making it ideal for Riverland producers. This is a soft, easy drinking wine that's refreshing and has plenty of length. Spicy, savoury and terrific value. Chill and enjoy. Easy. $15. 

Freeman 2012 Rondo Rondinella Rosé

Brian Freeman specialises in making wines from the rare northern Italian grape varieties of rondinella and corvina from his base in the Hilltops region in rural New South Wales. This is a thoroughly modern rosé; spicy, savoury and bone dry, that is extremely food friendly and modelled on the wines of the Veneto. It's made from 100% rondinella and matured in old oak to add texture. Pale salmon-coloured and very refreshing, this is the perfect choice for late afternoon enjoyment on the deck. I'd pair it with Middle Eastern dishes to enjoy it at its most enticing. $20. www.freemanvineyards.com.au.