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/

Cullen 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

 

Margaret River icon Cullen Wines is at the vanguard of organic and biodynamic winemaking in Australia, producing some of the country's finest wines at appropriate price points. But Vanya Cullen and her team also produce some outstanding wines that do not cost the earth, this being a prime example. A blend of 85% cabernet and 15% merlot, this is a very stylish wine, mellifluous on the palate and ready to enjoy in its youth. From an excellent, albeit warm, vintage this has plenty of depth of flavour and impressive structure with 20% new French oak playing a support role as the quality fruit plays lead guitar. Elegant wine; excellent drinking. $50. www.cullenwines.com.au. 

Whispering Brook 2024 Arinto

 

Whispering Brook is a small vineyard in the Broke-Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley that has enjoyed success with its take on the Portuguese red grape Touriga Nacional. Now owners Susan Frazier and Adam Bell are aiming to popularise another grape from Portugal - the white variety arinto. I visited their welcoming cellar door last week - just as grapes were coming into the winery - and was very impressed by the 2024 Arinto, a fresh, vibrant style that would seem eminently suited to the Australian lifestyle and our love of Iberian-style foods. Arinto is one of the key varieties in Vinho Verde wines and produces high acid wines with lemon/lime notes. Here it has crisp tropical notes and would pair brilliantly with grilled sardines. $40. https://www.whispering-brook.com/

Denis Race 2022 Chablis

 

When we lived in Paris, almost a quarter of a century ago, we had two "house" Chablis producers; Denis Race and Domaine du Colombier, both of whom we discovered at trade shows and subsequently visited. Domaine du Colombier is hard to find in Australia, but the wines of Denis Race and his family are now imported by Randalls Fine Wines in Melbourne. This Chablis is an excellent example of sleek, minerally Chablis that pairs impressively with seafood and roast pork. A pristine wine with poise and precision, at its current price of $44 a bottle it offers stunning value. I've just ordered some more, so I'm prepared to share the secret. https://randalls.net.au/products/2022-denis-race-chablis-750ml-bottle 

Yalumba Y Series Cuvée NV

 

Yalumba's Y Series range has offered some of the best-value easy drinking wines in Australia for over two decades - and now the choice is expanding with a couple of mid-range wines for those looking for lower-alcohol choices, and this bright and breezy white bubbly; perfect for summer drinking whether you quaff it on its own, use in a spritz, or liven up as a kir or a bellini. Think lively citrus and shortbread notes with a nice crisp finish. Very versatile for $16. This will hit Aussie wine outlets any day now. https://www.smithswinestore.com.au/yseries/