We got resident wine expert Stef to spill, so you can save those $$$.
Variety, region, then producer. If you shop that way, Steven (or Stef) Fisher, Wine Merchant at Dan’s in Melbourne’s Malvern East, says you don’t have to pay a lot for great wine. “It’s about the right grapes from the right region.” He also believes, in his heart of hearts, there’s so much to be gained from a less expensive wine. “Affordable wines are generally simple, uncomplicated and designed to be enjoyed young and in good company.” Plus, Stef says it’s important to keep trying new wines and broadening your wine horizons. “Variety is certainly the spice of life!”
Stef knows what he’s talking about. His career has seen him do many things in wine, from running his own award-winning Noosa restaurants Palmer’s and Ricky Ricardo’s, and consulting on festivals in Europe’s most historic wine regions to now serving as one of our in-store wine experts. He’s all over it, and his picks are world-class. Here, for one time only, his top picks aren’t just for the good patrons of Malvern East, but also for you. Here are the best wines that $15 can buy.
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1. Antonin Rodet Pinot Noir
Why should you try it?
Stef likes the Antonin Rodet Pinot Noir for two main reasons. Firstly, because it’s an inexpensive wine made with all the precision and care as a premium wine, and secondly, because it’s an old dog learning new tricks. “A Burgundy producer showcasing the different regions and varietals of France.” Got to love that range.
Tastes like?
Cherries and chocolate, but there’s a nice hint of oak that underpins the sweetness. There’s a long, delicious, moreish aftertaste.
What to sip it with?
This is a wine that really comes to life in a casual summer setting. “This will work great with a barbie, Friday night pizzas or with seasonal fruit pies!” If you want something more snackish, Stef recommends goat’s cheese and a loaf of crusty sourdough, which sounds like the best idea ever.
2. Colpasso Primitivo
Why should you try it?
“Primitivo is robust and rich with plenty of body,” says Stef. “This one, the Colpasso Primitivo, is silky smooth and a more modern style, but from the primitivo motherland, Puglia.” This region in Italy might be best known to you as the place all of Instagram went to this European summer just gone, but aside from grid-worthy beaches, they make a mean red. Primitivo, sometimes known as zinfandel, is unique and special, and while it’s tough to compare varietals, it’s kind of like the Italian version of a tempranillo.
Tastes like?
It’s giving body-ody-ody with dark berry aromas and flavours of licorice and blueberry. “It’s got plenty of power,” says Stef.
What to sip it with?
Being strongly flavoured, Stef says this is a wine that can hold its own. “It can stand up to hearty meals or strong, aged hard cheeses, roasts, or even smoked meats.” If it’s bringing the flavour, this primitivo is the wine for the job.
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Click image to shop
3. Famille Bougrier Chardonnay
Why should you try it?
Famille by name, famille by reputation. “This award-winning wine, the Famille Bougrier Chardonnay, is a result of six generations of winemaking experience and knowledge,” says Stef. “The Bougrier family is behind this label, and here they have created a chardonnay with bright fruit and lots of nutty, warm flavours.” Picture yourself in a sunny lunch spot eating an asparagus and walnut salad. This chardy would hit the spot, but not the wallet.
Tastes like?
Fresh pear and peach, particularly on the nose, but with long, dry, slightly nutty and buttery flavours.
What to sip it with?
Your bestie’s latest Julia Busuttil Nishimura roast chicken attempt. Fingers crossed they remembered to turn the oven on this time.
4. St Hubert’s The Stag Blanc de Blancs
Why should you try it?
If this were American College Football and you were a scout for the major league, The Stag Blanc de Blancs would be your one to watch. Those who’ve tried it are wowed that they can find a bubbly this good for this little. It’s also a wine with roots. “St Hubert’s is one of the original wineries in the Yarra Valley, first established in the mid-1800s,” says Stef. “It’s a great example of affordable cool-climate Victorian sparkling, made from 100% chardonnay grapes from Yarra, Upper Goulburn and Pyrenees.” Truly local. Truly great. “Pop the cork!”
Tastes like?
Pleasing the Champagne purists and chardy devotees alike, this is a crisp green apple drop underpinned by a distinct creaminess. Expect lots of small, smooth bubbles and a dry finish.
What to sip it with?
This is wine for a picnic. “Find a sunny spot, lay out a rug, pull out a chicken sandwich, maybe a cheese platter, and enjoy!”
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Click image to shop
5. Noble Princess Petunia Hawke’s Bay Pinot Rosé
Why should you try it?
“Princess Petunia is the star of this Hawke’s Bay label,” says Stef. “Who would have thought a pig dressed in Elizabethan attire would adorn the label of a Kiwi rosé?” Pig aside, this Noble Princess Petunia Hawke’s Bay Pinot Rosé is made of pinot noir and pinot gris fruit from the famous New Zealand North Island region. “With a light chill, it's just the ticket for picnics and spring soirees.”
Tastes like?
“Flavours of wild strawberries, juicy red cherries and crushed cranberries,” says Stef. Berry heaven. “Lots of acidity but it’s a crisp, dry, lingering finish on this one.”
What to sip it with?
Stef has two specific options for what to eat with this drop – one with contrasting flavours, and one matching. “A fillet of grilled NZ King Ora Salmon or a bowl of fresh strawberries from the farmer’s market and a soft cheese.”
