This line-up of tasty wines will make silly season entertaining a cinch (and surprisingly affordable).
The festive season is well and truly on our doorstep now, which means your calendar is probably jammed with social events. Great news for you! But, what about the dreaded question, “What are we taking to the barbecue on the weekend?” With so many events happening, and a bottle of wine coming with you to each one, you want to be sure you’re not spending too much, right? Fear not! Colleen, this month’s featured Dan Murphy’s Wine Merchant, is here to keep the good (and affordable) drops flowing through the silly season and beyond.
Colleen (a Canadian/American) grew up in a wine-loving family, and started her wine journey at 21 at a wine bar in Kentucky, learning under a French sommelier. She also spent time in a vineyard in Virginia, and now you’ll find her at Dan Murphy’s helping customers find ‘the one’ (read: perfect wine). “You have to kiss a few frogs to find the prince or princess, but that's what our job is here at Dan's! It's about knowing what regions work well with different grapes and being open to trying something new every once in a while.”
Colleen’s top tip? “Know the best way to serve your wine. Keep bubbles and white wine chilled. And in summer, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy a chilled red as well. Reds will always benefit from a decant – even if it's an inexpensive one, a quick decant before pouring will let the wine open beautifully.” Read Colleen’s picks below.
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1. Yarra Burn Premium Cuvée Brut
Why should you try it?
The beauty of this sparkling wine is that it can be enjoyed with food or without, plus it’s created using select parcels of classic sparkling varieties sourced from premium Victorian vineyards. Cool-climate grapes dominate, leading to an elegance of structure and longevity that’s definitely worth raising a glass to. “Bubbles from a cool climate area will pay homage to that French style, which Victoria absolutely does. Plus, it's made by a female winemaker, which we love giving that extra bit of love and support in such a male-dominated industry,” explains Colleen. Yeah the girls!
Tastes like?
“Classic, dry, crisp – very French,” she says. “It's a pinot-noir-dominant blend, which means it has great body and strength.” Expect great citrus notes – think green apple and fresh pear – and given it’s bottle fermented, you also get those classic toasty brioche notes as well.
Sip it with?
Friends! Yes, that’s right – Colleen knows what’s up. “I love this wine on its own – it’s the perfect bottle to share when you kick off a get-together. It will complement the cheese board you put out for guests to nibble on as well.” Great idea – but she has more. “Want a crazy suggestion? Bubbles and chips! Crisps, specifically. Bubbles work well with salt and fat, and I'm all about sitting around with friends drinking bubbles and digging into a bag of potato chips.” Now, that’s real friendship.
2. Infamous Dodger Albariño
Why should you try it?
“Albariño is a variety that is super underrated, and people need to know more about it! They’re known for their rich stone fruits and bright, loud acidity,” Colleen explains. Traditionally, albariño is from Spain and Portugal, but this one from South Australia gives them a run for their money. The folks at Infamous Dodger have crafted this wine using alternative varieties and methods, creating a fresh and approachable blend. “It will win over those who tend to drink sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.”
Tastes like?
Light, but still with plenty of flavour – just how we like it! Explore notes of green apple, pear, lychee and lemon zest – bright, mouthwatering acidity at its best.
Sip it with?
Fish tacos. Really, any seafood is going to play nicely with this drop. It also works well with green veggies, or anything topped with a zingy salsa verde.
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Click image to shop
3. Colpasso Fiano
Why should you try it?
Let’s be honest, when people think of Italian white wine, it’s normally a pinot grigio. But according to our wine oracle Colleen, there are so many more delicious whites from Italy that people need to explore. Like fiano! “Those who like a more textural white, along the lines of chardonnay, semillon and viognier, will like trying this; it can be enjoyed fresh while still having the ability to age well.” So have a bottle now and have a bottle in a few years. It’s a win-win!
Tastes like?
Italian fiano tends to be weightier and fuller-bodied. With this, expect pear, honey and yellow apple. It’s fresh, floral and nicely balanced.
Sip it with?
“When pairing food and wine together, I like to stick to the origins of the grape to find the match for the food, so that means it’s time to whip up a creamy risotto,” says Colleen.
4. La Poco Spanish Grenache
Why should you try it?
Like a familiar face at a house party, grenache is approachable. According to Colleen, this drop from La Poco is big, bold, and delicious – and the price isn’t bad either. “Give this half an hour in a decanter and you wouldn’t guess it's under $15!” A great entry-level red for newbies: supple, smooth, and full of flavour. Pro tip? Don't be afraid to throw a grenache in the fridge!
Tastes like?
A tasty explosion of red fruits – raspberry, cherries, plums and blackberry jams. You'll also see a touch of smoke and leather, with some earthy spices shining through.
Sip it with?
“Everyone always associates red wine with winter, but I love my grenache at a Sunday barbecue. The seasoning and spices from the grill will work well with the deeper characteristics of the jammy and leather notes,” she says. “I'm all about Kentucky barbecue ribs with Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce.” And now we’re salivating.
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Click image to shop
5. Mommessin Les Papillons Gamay
Why should you try it?
You’ve never met a pinot noir you didn’t like, but you’re looking to expand your horizons a little. Nothing wrong with that. Enter the gamay grape from Beaujolais – the most southern wine-growing region in Burgundy – it creates very different styles of wine compared to your classic Burgundy pinot noir. “Think pinot noir’s sassy cousin who has a little extra flair.”
Tastes like?
Beautiful aromas pour out of this glass. Enjoy cherries, plums, raspberries and the classic Beaujolais profile: bubblegum. “You’ll see notes of dried flowers, think rose potpourri; it's a dry wine with tannins made to be shared with food.”
Sip it with?
Colleen is about to set the scene. Ready? “Can we pretend we're picnicking in France? Let's grab some meats, charcuterie, terrines and plonk on the grass. The wine will work perfectly with the meats, spices and nibbles. And the best part? Screw cap! No stress about needing a wine bottle opener in the park.” Clever cookie, Colleen!
