What are you drinking this weekend – the same as last week or the week before? With so many wine labels on the shelf it is easy to fall into a habit and stick to it. I’ve worked in wine bars and wine stores where people came in at the same time every day, like clockwork, to grab the same old wine. Big brand Barossa Shiraz – tick. Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc – double tick. These wines walk off the shelf and leave the poor ugly ducklings behind.
Yes, picking the same wine every time avoids the odd wine fail but what are you missing out on? Variety is the spice of life, right? Sure, there is nothing wrong with playing it safe but there is so much to gain by stepping out of your comfort zone, at least once in a while and choosing that wine with the funky label or grape variety and giving it a whirl. Do you have an identical meal for dinner every night, or watch the same movie – thought so….
Even drinking the same great wine everyday surely gets a bit boring. One famous, now passed, Australian media mogul used to open up a bottle of Penfolds Grange every night and enjoy a small glass, for the health benefits. Yes even that would get boring fairly quickly.
So today is all about discovering new wines – varieties, regions and combinations. Yes, we all know the big names but there is just as much flavour and personality to be found elsewhere. Here are just some of our recently tasted wines to broaden your horizons.
Semillon, Margaret River Style – Moss Wood Semillon 2020
Perth wine writer Ray Jordan rates this wine as one of the best in Margaret River which is saying something against world beating cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. It’s a wine that showcases the potential of this often underrated grape variety.
King Valley on Show – The Hare and the Tortoise Pinot Gris 2020
Don’t forget the King Valley where a little Snowy Mountain influence makes all the difference. Here we have a bargain, cool climate pinot gris that is worth tracking down.
Rioja’s Secret Weapon – Ottelia Padthaway Graciano 2019
It’s fantastic to see local versions of graciano coming out which gives the best Rioja’s something special. You will not find a better picnic red.
New Coonawarra – Brand & Sons Night Owl Shiraz Malbec 2018
Is this the start of something beautiful? Coonawarra shiraz and malbec have come together to create a big Coonawarra style – pass the steak.
Malbec in Lights – Cullen Mangan East Block 2019
Malbec and petit verdot – only Vanya Cullen would blend these two varieties. From the 2019 vintage, Ken Gargett rates this as the best Mangan yet.
Sommelier Pick – Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2019
MoVida Head Sommelier Andrea Infimo reckons there is no better introduction to Spanish wine than this superb Priorat. One sip, and you’ll be hooked…..
Classic Hawke’s Bay – Church Road TOM 2016
New Zealand Bordeaux blends don’t come better than this wine which is built for the cellar. Lay it down and reap the rewards in 2030 and beyond…
Source By: Winepilot