There’s no better feeling than finding an outstanding new wine without breaking the bank.
Kim Brebach, the $20 Wine Guy and founder of www.bestwinesunder20.com.au, is of the firm belief that price is no indication of quality when it comes to wine. He’s dedicated to making wine shopping less daunting for those of us who don’t know our Pinot Gris from our Pinot Noir – all while saving us some money.
Kim has put together a selection of terrific white, perfect for summer and all available for under $20. These wines are not the usual suspects, but exciting wines we’ve tracked down over the last year.
1. Blue Pyrenees Midnight Cuvée Blanc de Blancs 2010—$20 at jackswine
The grapes are harvested at midnight when they’re cool, therefore the name. Blanc de Blancs means the wine is made from Chardonnay, and it beat every other Australian sparkling wine at the inaugural 2014 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships in the UK. Drink on its own or with canapés.
2. Turkey Flat Barossa Rosé 2014 – $18 at Winedirect
One of the best-selling Rosés in the country. Vibrant fruit and a touch of sweetness wrapped in a creamy envelope. Great on its own or with honey-glazed ham, with exotic salads that include fruits, and with cold watermelon on a hot day.
3. Yealands Land Made Sauvignon Blanc 2013 – $14 at Kemenys
This is a cracker for the money if you like your savvies savoury, tensile and tangy. A perfect match for fresh, simply cooked seafood including cold prawns and prawn salads.
4. Leo Buring Clare Valley Dry Riesling 2013 – $15 at Kemenys
Classic Clare Valley Riesling with limes and minerals. Fine and long with ripe fruit filling the mid palate, wonderful finesse combined with plenty of flavour. Perfect with roast chicken, hot or cold.
5. Juniper Crossing Chardonnay 2012- $17.50 at Empty Glass
Lovely stone fruits and a hint of cashews, oak plays a minor role. Smooth almost creamy Chardonnay with a high Crowd Pleaser Ranking. Will go with the Christmas turkey and ham.
6. Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Gris 2013 – $17 at Kemenys
One of the best PGs we’ve tasted this year, hints of pears and ginger and spice, rich and ripe but with lovely length and crisp balance. Perfect partner for roast pork or pork belly or Ham.
7. Guigal Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc 2011 – $20 at OurCellar
White Côtes-du-Rhône wines are rich and interesting food wines with fascinating flavour profiles. Would stand up well to a tasty Salade Nicoise.
8. Bundaleer Sparkling Shiraz – $17 at MyCellars
A fabulous wine from a small boutique in the Southern Flinders ranges that offers more depth of flavour than most wines of this style (which tend to be fruit bombs). Will go with anything from turkey to ham to roast beef.
9. Hidden Label Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – $13 at Kemenys
This is Franklin Tate Alexander’s vineyard Cabernet, rich, soft and seductive, cassis and blackberry wrapped in velvet. Just about perfect for a rack of lamb.
10. Pondalowie Vineyards Vineyard Blend 2012 – $20 at Cloudwine
Blend of Shiraz, Cabernet and Tempranillo from a boutique in Bendigo, this is a vibrant red with opulent flavour and dark berry fruits and soft, polished tannins. Great with barbecued beef or beef sausages.
