Pierre Brevin 2015 Selection Rosé

The rosé revolution is well and truly in full swing this summer; with more wine lovers opting to enjoy well-chilled pale pink and savoury dry rosé wines. On Christmas Eve we had around 50 people around for a drink or two before our local village parade. Rosés, both French and Australian, proved extremely popular but this Loire Valley wine was the almost unanimous favourite and I quickly had people coming back for refills. That was quite remarkable because this was the cheapest of all the rosés on offer - with a recommended retail price of just  $13. It can often be found on special at Dan Murphy's and BWS stores. Made from cabernet franc grapes, this has freshness with bright red fruit notes and a dry finish. Uncomplicated but very gluggable. Two of my neighbours headed off to the local BWS to buy some a couple of days later. Charming, light, crisp and deftly balanced. $13. 

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy 2016 Arneis

Arneis is an Italian grape variety that thrives in Piedmont but is fast emerging as one of the leaders of the new-wave white pack in Australia, alongside vermentino and fiano but with just a tad more sophistication. This is deliciously floral and dry Adelaide Hills choice for summer enjoyment, unoaked and bursting with white stone fruit and grapefruit notes and vigorous natural acid. It has been lees stirred for a few weeks then rushed into the marketplace while still full of cheeky vivacity. This one just leaps out of the glass and can be enjoyed chilled. From young vines it is probably best enjoyed in its youth; frisky and coltish. Well worth 93/100. 
$25. www.winesbygeoffhardy.com.  

Longview 2016 KÜHL Gruner Veltliner

Gruner Veltliner is a vibrant and spicy Austrian grape variety that is proving very popular, and successful, in cooler regions of the Adelaide Hills. This wine from the Saturno family is one of those leading the way - it is low in alcohol at 11.5% but high in flavour and drinking pleasure. KÜHL - the German word for cool - has been chosen to reflect both the climate and the groovy bottle and presentation. From young vines, this is a very impressive offering with crisp green apple acidity and hints of white pepper. It's downright delicious chilled and well worth 92/100. $25. 

www.longviewvineyard.com.au

Fetherston 2015 Pinot Noir

A massively impressive debut from a new Yarra Valley label with this excellent pinot noir released alongside a very good chardonnay. Only 1000 bottles were produced of this juicy, tangy little number with red berry fruit from Steels Creek allied to restrained oak, forest floor elements and hints of Asian spices. Whole bunch fermentation and older oak give excellent balance and structure, too. This offers immediate drinking pleasure wth the promise of medium-term cellaring and makes Fetherston a label to look out for in the future. A very tidy 93/100. $28. www.fetherstonwine.com.au. 

Zonin Ice Prosecco

It is that time of the year when people are looking for cheap and cheerful sparkling wines for Christmas parties or New Year toasts. While wine aficionados adore the complexity of Champagne, or the bright acid of Tasmanian sparkling wines, most casual wine drinkers actually want something chilled and refreshing and with some fruit sweetness (think sweet red apples in this case). This fits the bill - and is designed to be enjoyed on the rocks in a round-stemmed class, perhaps with lime zest or fresh mint, or perhaps with fruit liqueurs, kir style. Launched over the European summer by Italy's leading prosecco producer (Zonin dates back to 1821), this is a fun aperitif with low alcohol levels and broad appeal. And the price, $12.99, is certainly right.