RICHARD SAYS
2022 Yalumba Vine Vale Grenache 14.5%
Barossa Valley, South Australia, RRP $40
Some flavours in red wines get me satisfied and cheering – violets, blueberry, raspberry, rhubarb, spices. When there is more than one, the wine is usually a winner. Sometimes described as working class (or blue-collar) Pinot Noir, better Grenache examples have a similar intrigue to Nebbiolo – fragrance with a tannic backbone. Australian grenache quality has undergone dramatic improvements over the last ten years, with attention to picking time, more sensitive use of oak and alternatives, whole bunch, tannin management and respect. Truly, a ‘grenaissance.’
Yalumba’s experience and access to old-vine grenache, (pricewise in the middle of their offers) demonstrates that McLaren Vale doesn’t monopolise all the terrific grenaches.
This wine has a bright youthful colour; with vibrant blueberry, strawberry, rhubarb, and mixed spices on the fragrant bouquet and full-of-interest palate. Fleshy, and frisky; with an old-vine vibe too; its’ abundant fruit and fine tannins conspire to maintain this dead-set bargain for enjoyment anytime over a decade.
Hard to go wrong with food! Tortellini with mushrooms, grilled, roast or casserole lamb; duck, pork – potential matches are abundant. Adventurous folk can successfully explore salmon, or a cheese platter.
GRANT SAYS
2021 LE JUICE FLEURIE GAMAY
ABV 13% RRP $39.50
Springtime screams Beaujolais vibes for me. Jubey, candied and floral aromatics give way to a slatey, textured, cherry palate. What’s not to love about that flavour profile as the sun gathers warmth and days elongate … But I’m getting ahead of myself, sorry … I tend to do that when I’m excited. I found this bottle on my wine rack. My wife had snuck down to Mr. West Bottle Shop in ‘The Scray’ as a not-so-subtle suggestion that we should indeed crack a bottle that night. Beaujolais is situated just south of the world famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay region of Burgundy in France and grows predominantly Gamay; which (broadly speaking) is kinda like a Pinot Noir. Due to its international popularity, good quality Burgundy wines are SUPER expensive. But little old Beaujolais, which has an unfair reputation for having inferior quality wine to that of its northern big brother, makes affordable and no frills gems where quality and price are much more in sync. Fleurie is one of ten sub regions in Beaujolais and is known for its prettier, fragrant and floral styles. The more I drink Beaujolais, the more I love it. It’s a melting pot of subtle variations in flavour profiles and wine making. It’s definitely appealing to a growing demographic of wine drinkers worldwide, and along with increased demand, may well become pricey down the track. So jump on board the Beaujolais train with me and enjoy the wild ride!
Pair with: Home made burgers with caramelised balsamic onions, American cheese, bacon, pickles, lettuce and tomato. Thick cut wedges. Delish!
