By Christine Salins.
Y Series 2021 Pinot Grigio
As we slip into the festive season and the temperature ramps up, it’s time to look at some refreshing summer drops that you can pop into the fridge, ready to be opened at short notice.
We’re sticking to whites and Rosé on this occasion, and an innovative Spritz as well. In weeks to come, we’ll look at some reds and bubbles to celebrate with.
In the meantime, kick back with these easy drinking wines and say hello to summer.
Chandon Garden Spritz, $32: Responding to the increasing demand for Spritz drinks, sparkling wine producer Chandon has introduced a ready-to-drink Spritz that is set to become our go-to drink for summer. Having previously produced a drink called Chandon S, a sparkling wine with bitters and botanicals, it has played around with its orange bitters recipe and made this new baby a little more bitter. This gives it a great lift and balances out the sweetness beautifully. The result is very more-ish, a sheer delight to enjoy over ice with a twist of orange peel.
Angullong Fossil Hill 2021 Rosé
Atmata Organic Sauvignon Blanc, $20: Atmata is a range of certified organic, vegan-friendly wines launched last year. Sauvignon Blanc is a more recent addition to the range. Simple and easy-drinking, this one is bursting with flavours of lemongrass, passionfruit and green apple, though it is lighter-bodied and somewhat more restrained than many Sav Blancs. Pour it for your mates on the back deck or enjoy it with a picnic lunch.
Dalrymple 2018 Cave Block Chardonnay
Y Series 2021 Pinot Grigio, $15: Yalumba’s Y series collection got a fresh new look a few months back, with the distinctive signature letter ‘Y’ on the front. This refreshing and approachable medium-bodied wine is wild fermented and made with the lightest touch so that all the flavours of pear, apple, honey and a hint of spice shine through.
mesh 2020 Eden Valley Riesling, $35: A collaboration between two of Australia’s best known Riesling makers, Jeffrey Grosset and Robert Hill-Smith, who process the fruit separately before coming together to decide on the final blend. Typically Eden Valley, the wine has a lovely fine acidity and zesty citrus flavours that pair beautifully with oysters. Lively and refreshing, it is easy to drink now but will also cellar beautifully.
mesh 2020 Eden Valley Riesling
Dalrymple 2018 Cave Block Chardonnay, $64: This is a special occasion wine but if you’re looking for a top drop for summer, it would be hard to go past this elegant Chardonnay from the cool maritime climate of Tasmania’s Pipers River region. The Cave Block produces low yields and intensely flavoured fruit; this one has an abundance of nutty, brioche notes with stonefruit and citrus characters, subtle oak and a deliciously long finish.
Rogers & Rufus 2020 Rosé
Angullong Fossil Hill 2021 Rosé, $26: Angullong, in the Orange region of NSW, excels in making medium-bodied, savoury wines that are very food-friendly. Its Rosé is made from Sangiovese planted over 20 years ago, a clone that has proven to be excellent for this style. The result is sophisticated and lively with layers of texture and complexity that pair nicely with everything from roast chicken to fresh seafood and even a hearty steak.
Rogers & Rufus 2020 Rosé, $25: I’m not sure what I love best – the gorgeous salmon pink colour or the generous strawberry-like flavours – but either way it’s the perfect wine for an outdoor table in summer. Wild fermented and handpicked from old Grenache vines in the Barossa Valley, this Provencal-style Rosé is refreshingly crisp and dry with a hint of citrus zing at the end.
