We’re quick to shake up our wardrobe, our workout and our diets to bring in the New Year, but what about our wine list?
From Rose to Pinot, Chardonnay to Sangiovese, there’s a world of wine out there waiting to be sipped. The key is understanding what to drink and when.
De Bortoli Wines Chief Winemaker, Steve Webber suggests, “nothing too heavy for summer. There’s a few interesting Mediterranean varieties and some fascinating blends.”
So, this year, do away with your safe Savignon Blanc and discover something new with Steve’s top ten drops for 2015…
Veuve Fourny Blanc de Blancs NV $65
Mischievous, super fine, creamy fizz from our favourite Champagne Grower, this one goes very well with cheeky people at dinner parties.
De Bortoli Family Vineyards Bianco 2014 $10
Finally some interesting Italian white varieties in a field blend. This blend of Arneis, Pinot Grigio and Trebbiano is at savoury, joyful and affordable for most of summer.
Vinoque Yarra Valley Pinot Blanc 2014 $24
A less gregarious sibling in the Pinot family, this quiet, dry, witty, compelling and charming Pinot Blanc is one of the more exciting wines to come out of the Yarra Valley for summer.
La Boheme Act 2 Pinot Noir Rose 2014 $22
Rose is meant for early drinking (FYI Steve considers 11am to be early drinking). This is a pale, aromatic, bone dry textural Rose that is thoughtful but never too serious.
PHI Chardonnay 2012 $45
A serious glass of minerally white to wash down some flat head tails. There is a beautiful vineyard in the upper Yarra and a few other producers making wine from the same plot, Oakridge and Giants Steps, if you want to try it out.
De Bortoli Villages Pinot Noir 2013 $22
Aromatic and plump, totally delicious with Gnocchi and duck ragu, and amazing value for a serious Pinot Noir: this one is a winner indeed. Plus a little poise and gravitas thrown in for free.
Luke Lambert Yarra Valley Nebbiolo 2012 $56
A complete master of this grape with lots of experience making and drinking in Piedmont. Subtle traditional label, hauntingly aromatic, blueberry, spice, herb, savoury, wild and delicious: this wine is a must-try.
SC Pannell Tempranillo Touriga 2013 $25
Crunchy red, terrific producer, different varieties, bright red label: this is bound to be good and is surely the future of interesting medium weight Australian red.
Bellariva Sangiovese 2013 $16
Pizza and pasta are very much staple on lazy summer evenings. Savoury, textural, slightly rustic, this wine balances the carbs out.
Fontodi Chianti Chianti Classico 2010 $60
We normally drink Felsina but this is very delicious basic Italian Chianti. Ripe supple savoury romantic Sangiovese from Panzano in the heart of Tuscany: it doesn’t get much better (the wine or the place).
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