By Christine Salins.
Balmy days call for fresh, crisp whites and lighter, fruit-driven styles of red. Here’s a selection that will help quench the thirst on these warm summer days.
Dalfarras 2021 Prosecco, $19.70: A beautiful Japonica blossom features on the label of this Prosecco from the Nagambie Lakes region of Victoria. Artist Rosa Purbrick comes from an Italian family named Dal Farra (hence the wine’s name) and the luminescent Japonica captured her imagination during an early morning meander in the garden. It’s a lovely personal touch for this vibrant, zesty wine with citrus, pear and apple notes.
Nepenthe 2021 Elevation Sauvignon Blanc, $25: This elegant, easy-drinking wine from the Adelaide Hills has citrus, passionfruit and tropical notes. Crisp and refreshing, it’s the perfect match for an alfresco meal or for quaffing on the deck on a summer afternoon.
Heggies Vineyard Estate 2021 Riesling, $26: South Australia’s Eden Valley is one of Australia’s top Riesling producing regions, and this one from Heggies Vineyard Estate is a classic. It has fragrant aromas of lime and lemon, beautiful fruit purity, strong mineral notes, and great natural acidity. It goes beautifully with Asian salads and stir-fries.
Tahbilk 2021 Marsanne, $20.30: The enigmatic Marsanne variety is not widely seen in Australia but it’s a flagship for 162-year-old family-owned Victorian winery, Tahbilk, which does a jolly good job of producing a standout wine. It’s bright and lively with intense citrus and tropical fruit notes, an attractive minerality and hints of spice. Pure class.
Nepenthe 2020 Chardonnay, $25: This is a bolder style of Chardonnay, replete with flavours of lemon curd and stonefruits, and hints of hazelnuts and brioche. When it comes to choosing a drink for a special summer occasion, it’s hard to go past a fine Chardonnay, especially one from the Adelaide Hills where Chardonnay is up there with the best.
Dalfarras 2021 Sangiovese Rosé, $19.70: Like the Prosecco, this features gorgeous artwork by Rosa Purbrick, in this case a beautiful rose (what else!) Talk about sunshine in a bottle. Vibrant with sour cherry and strawberry notes, it is refreshingly dry and pairs beautifully with antipasto. The Dalfarras wines are carbon neutral, another huge plus.
Patina 2018 Pinot Noir, $45: From the cool-climate Orange region, this is such a treat with its ripe cherry and raspberry notes and fine, supple tannis. We enjoyed it with grilled lamb cutlets but it would also pair nicely with duck salad or light pasta dishes. It’s bright and youthful but hints to a maturity that could make it worthwhile to squirrel one away in the cellar.
Nepenthe 2019 Pinot Noir, $25: Adelaide Hills produces not only fine Chardonnay but also excellent Pinot Noir and we love this one from Nepenthe, which is rich and elegant with smooth, silky tannins and beautifully balanced oak.
Primo Estate 2021 ‘Merlesco’ Merlot, $22: Fresh, juicy and uncomplicated, this is a wonderfully easy-drinking summer wine, great with risotto, Italian pork sausages, grilled chicken or antipasto. Serving it lightly chilled makes all the difference.
St Hallett 2021 Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau, $26: Serve this one lightly chilled as well – truly! It’s best served around 12 degrees, or you could pour it over a couple of ice cubes in a stemless glass (or even use it to make sangria). Medium-bodied and bright, it is fruity and juicy with vibrant raspberry, blueberry and blackberry notes, along with tantalizing hints of vanilla. Enjoy!
