Winter is at our doorstep, so it’s time to break out the big Aussie reds. But from which region, you ask? Why, all of them, of course! Let’s take a trip around Australia’s wine regions to discover new varieties and old friends. Merrick Watts, the comic and wine expert behind An Idiot’s Guide to Wine, shares his favourite Australian red wines to drink this season, from velvety pinot noirs to spicy cab savs.
A Queensland wine? You’d better believe it! And no, it does not have rum in it. I absolutely love this wine. I use it in one of my ‘An Idiot’s Guide To Wine’ shows. An absolute winner. Notes: Dark cherry, spice, some dark plum and some Sicilian attitude. Give my mate Ray a holler – great guy, excellent wines.
This winery is directly across the road from Golden Grove in the Granite Belt (I’m too lazy to even drive). They have a great family winery vibe, with incredible views and terrific variety. Notes: Proper cab – blackcurrant, structure, a bit of backbone. Feels like it should cost more.
Saperavi is one of the world’s oldest wine grapes, originating in the country of Georgia, where the first documented wine production occurred over 8,000 years ago. It’s now grown a short drive from the Gold Coast. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Notes: Dark, inky, unapologetic. Big fruit, tannin, a bit wild around the edges… like a bouncer who reads poetry.
This is another wine I’ve worked with in my shows; I absolutely love it. Fruit is from Gundagai, which is an underrated place. Notes: Red fruits, juicy, plush with a savoury edge. Spain by way of the Hume Highway. Goes with charcuterie and fireplaces.
This is a terrific winery in the Hunter Valley, and the cellar door is a must-visit if you’re in the region. Tell them I sent you. They’ll say, “Who?” Notes: Proper Hunter shiraz. Medium body, but don’t let that fool you – there’s flavour, spice and structure.
Nick and Tania Segger bought this winery about a decade ago, after bailing on the rat race, and have poured their heart and soul into it. It shows. They also provide on-site glamping, which is perfect after a heavy cellar-door tasting! Notes: Bright red fruits, tart cherry, food friendly. Built for pasta and poor decisions.
These guys are from Nagambie. Lovely people doing great wines. This is a good shiraz to try if you feel like you’ve tried them all. Notes: Juicy, peppery, modern. Shiraz with a slight syrah bent.
This is a famous winery for a reason. ‘The Drives’ refers to an underground cellar, not the distance from Melbourne. Notes: Cool-climate shiraz with spice, white pepper, some ripe blackberries and good structure. Less fruit bomb, more grown-up conversation.
Yarra Valley is, of course, known for its pinot, but this little bobby-dazzler is turning heads. The addition of viognier, a white grape, adds a softness and an aromatic lift to this wine. Notes: Rich, fragrant, silky and a little exotic. Like shiraz dressed up for a night out.
Josef Chromy is a gem. Great wines, beautiful location that I regularly visit. Have a swim in Cataract Gorge, and then spend the arvo at Chromy. Notes: Nice red fruits with cherry, sour cherry and a tiny hint of candied cherry. Light, elegant, a little sexy. Tasmania showing off again.
This pinot from northern Tassie has become a staple with lunchtime executives who like to eat steak on the company card, but it’s well-priced and delicious. Notes: A bit more weight than your average Tassie pinot. Still pretty, just with a bit more backbone.
Soft, easy, a crowd pleaser. Pinot for people who don’t want to think too hard. Take it to a barbecue – everyone can drink it. Except people who don’t drink. Notes: Ripe strawberries and some raspberry, and a little sour cherry.
A few years ago, Kate Goodman and Lauren Hansen began experimenting with cab franc as a single varietal. Thank you! I remember Lauren first showed me this wine with total pride, and it is worthy. Notes: Herbal, lifted, delicious fruit, but a little different. Cab franc doing something interesting for once.
Anyone who knows Stephen Pannell will attest to his genius ability, but this is an entry-level, high-quality wine that slides into so many occasions. Perfect with rissoles (I only use that word because nobody does anymore) on the barbecue. Notes: Savoury, structured, fruit-filled in the middle, but a bit of seriousness at the finish. Great Aussie tempranillo.
Oh god, I love this wine. I once rolled up to their cellar door in McLaren Vale many years ago only to realise it was their house. I tasted wines in their kitchen. Outstanding winemaker is Andre Bondar. Notes: Grenache-led, juicy, plump, dangerously drinkable. One bottle won’t cut it in a group.
