Kooyong 2020 Clonale Chardonnay

 

The prices of good white Burgundies may have have gone through the roof, but there are still some Australian cool-climate chardonnay options that offer good value for money with a nod to the styles of Macon and the Côte Chalonnaise. Clonale is an entry level wine for excellent Mornington Peninsula producer Kooyong, whose winemaker Glen Hayley seldom misses a beat. Crisp but textural; classic cool-climate chardonnay. Pair with a roast pork and crackling dish for maximum impact. $34. https://www.portphillipestate.com.au/

Alkoomi Grazing Collection 2020 Cabernet Merlot

Alkoomi's much-loved white label range is no more; replaced by the more attractively packaged but equally good value Grazing Collection. You'd be hard pressed to find better wine for midweek enjoyment; particularly the 2021 riesling and this blend of cabernet and merlot that offers some bright dark cassis fruit flavours but also some structure and style. Alkoomi say the range is ideal for "picnics and barbecues, sunny afternoons on the veranda and chilly evenings by the fire." The range is named in honour of Alkoomi Grazing Company, the original name of the 1946 sheep farm the vineyards were planted on in the Frankland River region of Western Australia. This is medium-bodied and very drinkable. One of best $20ish buys around. $21.  www.alkoomiwines.com.au/





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'Sitting in by the toasty winery fire, with some marshmallows'.



'A cool, fresh afternoon with a charcuterie board'.

Wirra Wirra 2020 Church Block

 

Year after year Wirra Wirra's Church Block is one of Australia's most reliable "go to" red wines for affordable quality - and the new-release 2020 is no exception. A blend of cabernet sauvignon (48%) shiraz (42%) and merlot (10%), all sourced from McLaren Vale, this is a perfect choice for a barbecue or a steak dinner. Think dark blackcurrant and black plum flavours, subtle oak, dark olive, black chocolate and some spice hints. Lovely balance here, plenty of savoury appeal, good balance and even some cellaring potential. $22.https://wirrawirra.com/ 

Indigo Vineyard 2021 Beechworth Rosé

A little taste of Provence from a vineyard in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. outside historic Beechworth. Pale, fresh and vibrant, this a delicious "drink now" rosé that is a blend of 57% merlot, 17% cabernet sauvignon and 26% pinot gris; so a blend of red and white grapes. No oak involved here, although this vibrant number did spend three months on yeast lees for added textural interest. The lovely salmon colour and the crisp, dry acid on the palate make this a feast for both the eyes and mouth. Perfect for late summer picnics as it is vibrant, fun and great value. Pair with a vegetable tart, or  lamb burger. $25. www.indigovineyard.com.au/