Longview 2022 Juno Nebbiolo Rosato

 

This beguiling blend of nebbiolo and pinot noir is one of my favourite rosés of the year; dry, savoury and seriously slurpable. The Saturno family is based at Macclesfield on the fringe of the Adelaide Hills and produces a wide range of styles, usually offering excellent value. This is no exception with its initial floral intensity leading to a panoply of red fruit flavours - think redcurrants, raspberries and cherries - on the lively, zesty palate, which finishes bone dry. This is perfect for enjoying with a picnic, a Lebanese mezze plate, or perhaps with a crab dip. Enjoy well chilled. $28. www.longviewvineyard.com.au/

Clonakilla 2021 O'Riada Shiraz

 

This is almost certainly the best-value wine in the stellar Clonakilla line-up - and I reckon it would do sterling duty whether you are opting for a Christmas turkey, or ham. A belnd of estate and grower fruit, this is a concentrated but supple and alluring shiraz from a fine Canberra region vintage - and you can buy three bottles for the price of one bottle of Clonakilla's flagship shiraz viognier. The wine is dedicated to Sean O'Riada, a leading Irish musician and composer who died in 1971, the year Clonakilla was established by John Kirk. He was John’s cousin. I think he'd be very proud of this smooth and delicious cool-climate wine with its red fruit and spice notes. $40. https://clonakilla.com.au/

Oliver's Taranga 2022 Mencia

Is mencia Australia's next sangiovese or tempranillo? The Spanish grape has only a small presence in Australia so far, but shows immense promise as is underlined by this gloriously gluggable release from McLaren Vale. Winemaker Corrina Wright has crated a bright purple, medium-bodied and savoury red that has come together brilliantly in its youth and would be a welcome guest at a barbecue, or paired with roasted meats. It could even be chilled a little on a warm day. Soft and fruity, this is far too easy to drink - it is made in the "Joven" style with minimal oak, and created for immediate enjoyment. $35. www.oliverstaranga.com 

Hungerford Hill 2022 Semillon

Freshly shucked oysters; a picnic in the park; or maybe a fish and chip supper. The release of new-vintage Hunter Valley semillons is synonymous with the arrival of summer - and the need for a refreshing, vibrant bottle of pale white vinous goodness. This is one of the best-value semillons around, and is made from grapes grown at the Dalwood Vineyard in Branxton, the Hunter's and Australia's oldest continually operating vineyard dating back to 1828. From a good vintage, this is an elegant semillon that spent four  months on yeast lees before release. Pale, citrusy, zippy and disturbingly drinkable with its vibrant acid. Enjoy well chilled. $27. https://hungerfordhill.com.au/