Time to bust out some sunshine in a glass and celebrate all the best things Australia has to offer… including its wines.
Here’s what I will be drinking from top Aussie vineyards on Australia Day while enjoying the finest local produce the country has to offer. After all, it doesn’t get much more Australian than that!
From the Hunter Valley –
Briar Ridge ‘Dairy Hill’ Semillon 2014
Lets talk Semillon from the Hunter. Truth is we don’t drink enough of it! In its youth, it’s downright drinkable, delicious, refreshing and fine. My friend Gwyn from Briar Ridge makes a mighty fine example, so good in fact it took the trophy for best current release Semillon at this year’s Hunter Valley wine show. Gwyn’s Briar Ridge ‘Dairy Hill’ Semillon 2014 is crunchy, delicious and packed with flavours of green apple, lemon peel and fresh lime juice. Perfect summer drinking.
$35 per bottle from Briar Ridge
From the Margaret River
Howard Park Miamup Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon 2013
The Burch family along with their very talented senior winemaker Janice McDonald produce some of my favourite wines from the Margaret River and surrounding regions. Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon is the kind of wine I like to drink at a BBQ which is why it has made my list; it lends itself perfectly to BBQ’d crayfish, bugs, raw seafood, fresh summer salads and of course friendly relaxed, conversation.
$28 per bottle from Burch Family Wines
From the Yarra Valley
Oakridge 864 Willowlake Vineyard Block 6 Chardonnay 2012
For lovers of Chardonnay this wine is a revelation. For people who don’t like Chardonnay you do, you just haven’t found one you like yet, there is one for everybody! Chardonnay like this makes me smile – it’s pure and devilishly complex. This isn’t a wine for the pool party, this is a wine to share with someone who adores good Chardonnay. Dave Bicknell crafts such beautiful winesand this is no exception.
$75 per bottle from Oakridge Wines
From Tasmania
Jansz Premium Rosé NV
We all need some great bubbles to celebrate this great country. Jansz is always a go to for me for exceptional quality and great value for money, perfect for sipping and sunbaking. It also makes a great match with shrimps on the barbie – make sure to have one on ice for the Australia Day long weekend!
$24.99 per bottle from Dan Murphys
From the McLaren Vale
Olivers Taranga Fiano 2014
Corrina Wright is a pocket rocket; incredibly talented, funny and makes and produces wines full of soul. This Fiano is fantastic, I adore the variety and this is one of my fave australian examples. Full of Cashew, Apple and Lime juice, it’s just delish. Corrina likes to pair this up with a chicken cassoulet but this Australia Day this it will be lovely with a good old fashioned roast chook and salad.
$24.00 from Olivers Taranga
From the Barossa Valley
Tomfoolery Black and Blue Shiraz 2013
Barossa Shiraz is as true blue as akubra hats, crocodile dundee and tinnies of VB. This is a wine close to my heart as I have been lucky enough to spend time in the vineyards and winery with winemaker Ben Chipman during its production in 2013 and 2014. It’s just a beautiful wine; the fruit sourced from the subregion of Ebenezer is pure and powerful. Yummy flavours of plum, bramble and licquorice strap. Do as Chippy would do and pair with a locally sourced TBone steak.
$40.00 from Tom Foolery Wines
From the Clare Valley
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2014
This wine is an iconic Aussie drop for good reason. It embodies all that is stunning about great Clare Rizza. It is a joy to drink and as I talked about before with Hunter Semillon we need to be drinking more of these styles of wine. It is absolute refreshment and precision. Featuring Jasmine, Lemon blossom, Kaffir lime and juicy juicy citrus, it’s a great aperitif or awesome with some freshly shucked local oysters.
$47.00 from Shorty’s Liquor
From Canberra District
Lark Hill Rose 2014
I’ve just spent the last 2 weeks of my Chrissy holidays drinking rose and eating ham… it was glorious. Keep the trend going for Australia Day. This biodynamic rose is made from Sangiovese and Shiraz and is the perfect tipple for swilling in the sunshine with your bucket hat on.
$25.00 from Lark Hill Winery
From Orange
Small Acres ‘ The Cats Pyjamas’ Cider
Its not wine, but hey, you know how much I love real cider. This one is bonza. Made from the best apples and produced like a methode traditionnelle sparkling, this is something different but a really cool little drink.
$32.00 from Small Acres
Wine prices may vary and wines are subject to availability.
