Mount Horrocks 2023 Nero d'Avola

 

The Nero d'Avola grape may originate from Sicily, but it is very much at home in the warmth of the Clare Valley. Stephanie Toole has been producing wines made from the variety for several years now, having planted in 2007. This is one of the best releases I have seen; an ultra-food friendly, savoury and earthy offering with terrific textural elements and tannin structure that suggests it might cellar for a decade or more. This had the medium-bodied presence to pair impressively with a pan-fried veal schnitzel with red cabbage. Juicy and crunchy with background hints of cedar oak. Organic, biodynamic; a wine of style and substance. $45. https://www.mounthorrocks.com/

Dog Point 2024 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Marlborough sauvignon blanc may not be as fashionable as it once was, but there is still a certain magic to some of the best examples; like this outstanding release from Dog Pont. The winemaking team has managed to capture all the classic Kiwi sauvignon blanc flavours and refreshment, along with some interesting textural elements, perhaps due to an increased percentage of indigenous yeast. It is a white for enjoying in its youth, nicely chilled, accompanied by some fresh oysters or maybe some whitebait, or King George whiting. Dry and deliciously drinkable. $35. http://www.dogpoint.co.nz/

Angove 2022 Family Crest McLaren Vale Shiraz

 

Here's a red of serious weekend drinking quality that's priced like a midweek quaffer. It's well worth seeking out a bottle of two of this if you like your reds flavoursome but graceful and stylish. I was surprised just how easy this was to drink. The flavours are classic McLaren Vale - dark berry and plum notes with hints of moccha and spice. There is a lightness of touch to Tony Ingle's winemaking, however, that makes this a very food-friendly new release. You could pair this with anything from a Sunday roast to a Lebanese mezze plate but I'd probably choose a meaty pizza. And a second bottle. $28. https://www.angove.com.au/

Soumah 2024 Single Vineyard Hexham Savarro

 

Savagnin is a white grape variety best known for being used in the complex Vin Jaune wines of the Jura region in France. Here it has been given a new, less confusing, name, and very different treatment, producing a lively, refreshing "drink now" style. Savarro is the name Yarra Valley-based Soumah gives to cool tank-fermented savagnin, a close relative of traminer. Think aromatics, citrus aromas, intense chalky minerality, leesy hints and brisk acid on the finish. Pair with anything from seafood to a chicken and leek pie. Excellent value at $34. https://soumah.com.au/     

Ox Hardy 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache

 

Grenache is back in a big way baby - thanks largely to modern takes on Australia's traditional fortified workhorse. Andrew "Ox" Hardy's family has generations of experience with the variety in McLaren Vale, where it thrives in the warmth. The fruit for this impressive drop was sourced from three different vineyards, all planted 40-50 years ago. There is a lot of depth of flavour here, but also a deftness to the winemaking with the end result a flavoursome red that is immediately accessible. Hard picked, part whole bunch, unfined, unfiltered and perfect for an autumn barbecue. Soft and floral but with crisp acid on the palate. Good value here for $30. https://oxhardywines.com.au/      

Yangarra 2024 Piquepoul

 

Piquepoul, or piquepoul blanc, sometimes also spelled picpoul, is a quite rare French grape variety that is mainly grown in vineyards adjacent to the Mediterranean and is used to make crisp, "drink young" whites that are often enjoyed with oysters from the local lagoons. This is one of a new, affordable range of wines from organic and biodynamic trendsetters Yangarra in McLaren Vale. Winemaker Pete Fraser says piquepoul thrives in the Mediterranean climate of McLaren Vale. From vines that are just eight years old, this is a fruit driven dry white with impressive minerality and acidity. Enjoy chilled with fresh seafood. $30. https://www.yangarra.com/

Mottura 2023 Classic Primitivo del Salento

 

It is becoming increasingly difficult to source quality wine imports that offer a point of difference along with good value. This primitivo (aka zinfandel) delivers in spades, however, with a real rustic charm that makes it an amiable companion for most Italian dishes; from red meats to hard cheeses. It shines with food. Imported by Single Vineyard Sellers, it is grown and made in Salento in southern Puglia - in Italy's far south - by a family winery with almost a century of history. This is full-bodied with plenty of attitude along with astutely judged assertiveness and lots of length. $35. https://www.singlevineyards.com/