Australia is home to some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
From top-notch drops to rival the best, to big-value, everyday bottles that impress with their consistency and downright drinkability, these seven Aussie wines all spell sunshine in a glass.
1. Specially Selected Viognier 2022, south-eastern Australia
This northern Rhône white variety flourishes across its wine regions and is becoming increasingly popular with winemakers and oenophiles alike. Great value, this one brims with apricot scents, succulent flavours of exotic tropical fruits, nectarine and peach, with delicious concentration enlivened by fresh acidity.
2. Tingleup Riesling 2021, Western Australia
Another fresh, dry white, this is a first-rate riesling from one of the country’s most famous wine estates – and our second most important white grape. Ripe and citrus-forward with gentle touches of herbs, a lovely clean finish backed by limey-acidity, this food-friendly sommelier’s favourite is a go-to with Asian dishes.
Read: How to host a wine tasting
3. Petaluma White Label Chardonnay 2017, Petaluma, Adelaide Hills
The country’s headline white, Petaluma ranks among Australia’s top chardonnay producers and this is a brilliant example of cool climate chardonnay in a modern style. Sleek and well-structured with a creamy, textured palate, the wine opens up with peaches and cream, mouth-watering flavours of stone fruits, melon and a touch of grapefruit and subtle oak, finishing long with freshness, purity and drive. Just gorgeous.
4. Lindeman’s Bin 50 Shiraz 2021, south-eastern Australia
There’s nothing like a glass of shiraz if you’re hosting a summer barbecue or a fancy dinner party. Warm-hearted with bold new world fruit, The country’s most widely planted grape, this reliable label offers bright beams of blackberry fruit, plums and spice with a smooth, comforting finish.
Read: Road trip through South Australian wine regions
5. Ring-Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Margaret River, Western Australia
Renowned for its cabernet sauvignon, Margaret River cab sav is typically fresher and melds elegance with strength. Glossy black fruit layered with a rich bouquet of violets, cassis and black cherries, a violet tinge draws you in with touches of mocha and pencil lead swirling through, and impressive depth on the long, lingering finish. A beauty.
6. TTD Château Tanunda Barossa Cabernet Merlot 2020, Barossa Valley
A classic Bordeaux blend from this historic Barossa winery, this is generous, plump and rich with a very appealing, seductive nose. Famous for its concentrated, rich ripe reds, this own label offers inky black fruits galore, dark cassis and plummy notes and a flicker of dark chocolate, with everything flowing nicely through the finish.
Read: Is this Tassie wine region better than France’s Champagne?
7. Jim Barry The Forger Shiraz 2018, Clare Valley
A swoon-worthy shiraz from one of Australia’s celebrated wine estates – famous for its luxury priced The Armagh shiraz – this affordable label is a standout. With superb depth of flavour, delicious florals on the nose, think exotic sweet spice before you dive into delicious ripe, dark berried fruit, hints of chocolate and a long, silky finish with freshness and panache.
Have you tried any of these wines? What’s your favourite Australian wine? Let us know in the comments section below.
– With PA
