RICHARD SAYS:
2020 Barry and Sons Grenache/Shiraz/Malbec 14%
Clare Valley, South Australia RRP $27
GSM blends are a staple of France’s Southern Rhone Valley. Historically in Australia, blends of more than two varieties were leftovers, assembled almost as a last resort.
Fortunately, with a revival – particularly of Grenache – winemakers often craft this style meticulously. McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley battle for honours, with Malbec less common than Mataro (Mourvedre). Touriga and Tempranillo sometimes also appear in modern alphabet soup blends.
This young red wine has style and flair- redcurrant and red cherry fruits front up, with blueberry and an added spice bucket delivering gratification now.
It’s brilliantly refreshing with persistent, pristine fruit flavours; the spice notes and fine tannins nudge you gently towards another glass. It will hold this form for a few years with ease.
Conclusion: Easy to find for less than its RRP, this zippy, delicious wine will complement any grilled or barbequed red meat; exotic sausages or a curry pie will work too.
GRANT SAYS:
Costaverde Verdicchio Classico 2020 D.O.C. 12%
RRP $22
As I strolled into the Seddon Wine Store and struck up a conversation with the knowledgeable lady behind the counter, I found myself feeling somewhat adventurous. How about I try a variety that has never passed my lips?
I landed on this extremely affordable ‘Verdicchio’ which is an Italian table staple, particularly out of Le Marche; a region on the Adriatic sea, east of Florence. If you’re a fan of pinot grigio, you’ll get around this. A welcoming bouquet of fresh garden herbs, honeysuckle and crunchy pears; the palate continues and adds fresh shaved ginger, white pepper and austere minerality.
The finish is lip-smackingly fresh and commands a sunny summer afternoon. It’s classically Italian with its wonderful aromatics and its palate cleansing savoury characteristics that’ll go with every white fish dish or poultry.
Conclusion: As I write this, there’s a Chicken Pot Pie in the oven which I’m sure will go just splendidly!
