In this month’s Steals, Eralde has you covered with a selection of delicious wines that match with just about every food under the sun.
This month we spoke to Eralde Felix, the Wine Merchant at Dan Murphy’s Fisherman’s Bend in Port Melbourne, about his tips for picking a tasty drop under $15. His number one piece of advice? Approach buying affordable wine and top-shelf wine the same way – and always grab a Dan’s Wine Merchant if you’re ever unsure of where to start. “If the person can provide me with some pointers – like the occasion or budget – I’ll do my best to find something that’s great value and to their liking,” he says. “If a customer is just starting their wine journey, I’ll help them figure out their preferences and share my personal opinion on the best grapes to start with.”
Eralde believes good wine can absolutely be affordable. And the best way to remember what you’ve tasted (and enjoyed) over time is to take a photo of the label and make an album on your phone so you can always revisit it next time you duck into a Dan’s.
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1. Maschio Organic Prosecco
Why should you try it?
This is light, fruity and fresh with aromatic notes of pears, apples and stonefruit with a crisp citrus twist. “I love the fact that it’s organic and the price indicates good value for a great drop,” Eralde says. This is traditional and authentic prosecco at its best – made from 85% glera, 8% chardonnay and 7% pinot blanc in the beautiful Veneto region. “Pop it at a special occasion or in your backyard on a Sunday afternoon in the sun with mates.”
Tastes like?
“Enjoy delicate flavours of green apple, honeydew, pear and cream with an off-dry mouth feeling, good acidity and lovely creamy mousse,” Eralde says. AKA, it’s yum.
Sip it with?
Follow Eralde’s lead and pack a picnic to enjoy with this prosecco. “Make sure there’s hard cheeses, water crackers and green olives in that picnic basket,” he says.
2. Madfish Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Why should you try it?
The name alone is one reason. Sounds like a fun drop, doesn’t it? With alluring aromas of guava, nashi pear, and citrus zest with a hint of white floral when you take whiff, Eralde reckons your nana is probably a fan of this WA sauv blanc blend – but don’t let that put you off. “Certainly loved by an older crowd, this is a classic wine now gaining momentum again with the younger generation,” he says. As it should. Both grape varieties in this wine offers a diverse contribution: sauvignon blanc is the star of the show – upfront, fresh, lovely and highly aromatic, while semillon is all about weight and viscosity, length and structure.
Tastes like?
“This is dry with a nice amount of acidity and light body – the palate is full of zippy gooseberries, melon, lemon peel and guava with a nice refreshing aftertaste,” Eralde explains.
Sip it with?
This is a great accompaniment to salt and pepper calamari or hot chips straight out of the fryer. “Extra points if you serve them with Kewpie mayo,” Eralde suggests. Sushi and sashimi also go down a treat alongside a glass of this wine.
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3. Cold Snap Chardonnay
Why should you try it?
Cold Snap sustainably produces all their wines, and the name refers to using lovely cool-climate fruit from around Victoria. Eralde believes the key to building confidence in selecting a chardonnay when you’re out at a pub or restaurant is all about first exploring and tasting different brands in the comfort of your own home. This one is expertly crafted (like all Cold Snap wines) with a delicate fresh nose bursting with aromas of apple and pear.
Tastes like?
“This is youthful; the palate is dry with a moderate acidity and an easy and pleasant experience in your mouth,” Eralde explains.
Sip it with?
Think soft cheeses, pesto pasta (maybe trofie al pesto if you’re feeling really Italian) or charcoal-roasted chicken with chips. Now that’s tasty!
4. Santa Julia Malbec
Why should you try it?
“Malbec is gaining popularity among Gen Y and Z because of the easy-drinking and velvety flavour profile,” Eralde says. This great example from Santa Julia in Argentina’s Mendoza region is full-bodied rich and spicy with well-balanced tannins on the palate. It’s a well-known wine tip that there’s excellent value to be found in certain international varieties, such as malbec. Argentina produces some of the most impressive takes, at equally impressive price points.
Tastes like?
“It’s dry with a medium body and packed with flavours of blackberries, cherries and a lovely peppery and leafy aftertaste. The acidity and tannins are soft with a lovely flavour intensity on the palate,” Eralde explains.
Sip it with?
Get out that cheese board immediately! And make sure there’s a nice creamy blue in the mix. “Roast turkey or a pepperoni pizza will also go well with this,” Eralde says.
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Click image to shop
5. Bare Bones Shiraz
Why should you try it?
This flavoursome shiraz from Great Western, Victoria is expertly crafted with time, patience and the best grapes the region has to offer. Eralde isn’t afraid to admit he’s a cool-climate kind of guy. “I have a thing for cool-climate wines, particularly with reds, because they seem to be more approachable on the palate, and the flavour profile has more definition and elegance,” he explains.
Tastes like?
“The nose is packed with blackberries, blueberries, black pepper, pipe tobacco and clay pot. It has a dry and medium body with lovely soft but grippy tannins that finishes with hints of cooking herbs.”
Sip it with?
Meat! Plenty of meat. Think beef burgers, lamb kebabs or grab a couple of beef sausages and whack them on the barbie the moment you open a bottle.
