The weather’s crap and so are our bank statements – perfect time for some banging, budget-friendly wine picks from the expert.
Well, we’re really in the depths of winter now, aren’t we? To mark the occasion, we’re leaning into a line-up of comforting, tasty and, as always, affordable wines. We enlisted the help of Will Slocombe, the Wine Merchant at Dan Murphy's in Melbourne’s Collingwood, to pick a line-up of wines he’s enjoying right now. “I've been with Dan Murphy's for over a decade and have spent my career finding the best-value wines for my customers,” he says. Although he has his favourites, he says part of the job is always trying different styles so he can continue to pick great wine based on his customers’ tastes.
Will believes when it comes to wine, balance before complexity is key, and cost of wine production matters. “I generally find aromatic white wines to be better quality than reds at the entry levels. Reds need a bit more work and care in the winery, which adds to the cost of the end product,” he explains.
Let’s get into this month’s picks. Make sure you have a comfy couch and cosy blanket nearby when you crack open a bottle of these, okay?
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1. Pierre Larousse Blanc De Blancs
This French sparkling is a real crowd-pleaser and the perfect choice for your next party or celebration. It’s quite dry, which, according to Will, makes it perfect as a wine base for a Spritz – so pick this one next time an Aperol Spritz is on the menu.
Why you should try it?
“This is the perfect bubbles on a budget,” Will says. “Clean, crisp and well-balanced – enjoy it on its own or if you’re feeling spritzy.” He adds that when it comes to finding a sparkling for the likes of an Aperol Spritz or similar, dry bubbles are always preferable. “Be wary of adding sugar with sugar – a dry wine will allow you to get the balance just right.”
Tastes like?
A bargain! But also zesty – with notes of lemon and apple with a crisp finish that’ll have you topping up your glass.
Sip it with?
This is ideal as an aperitif. Otherwise, Will suggests keeping it simple with finger food or white fish.
2. Tolley Clare Valley Riesling
The Clare Valley is renowned for its zesty fruit-pure rieslings, thanks to its continental hot summers, cold winters and low rainfall. Enjoy this one when you want to be transported to a warmer time and place. Tolley is headed up by fifth-generation wine grower Simon Tolley, who has a strong connection and understanding of the land, and access to some of the best vineyard sites in the Clare Valley.
Why you should try it?
Will is a big fan. “Riesling is my favourite variety in terms of value for money – they’re generally lower in cost as most of the work is done in the vineyard and they keep it simple in the winery,” he explains. “This demonstrates the exceptional quality of the 2022 vintage for Clare Valley riesling – it’s outrageously delicious and available for a steal.”
Tastes like?
“It’s super floral on the nose with lemon-lime flavours and a touch of fresh pineapple. I really enjoy its off-dry finish,” Will says.
Sip it with?
Will knows that most people opt for accompanying their fish with a wedge of lemon but they should ditch the lemon for a bottle of riesling instead. “The acid cuts through the oiliness of the fish and accentuates the flavour,” he says.
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Click image to shop
3. Rabo De Gala Tinto
A lovely little number from Lisbon, Portugal, this award-winning wine is made from a classic blend of Portugal’s most famous grapes – castelão, touriga nacional, tinta roriz and trincadeira – grown on sunny slopes close to the ocean. It’s full-bodied, fruit-rich and smooth.
Why you should try it?
“This is a great tasty drop: balanced, medium-weighted and offers ripe red fruits with a silky finish,” Will says. He suggests enjoying it mid-week when you’re after a glass of something comforting, or bring it along to the next dinner party when you’re told not to bring anything. Yes, sir!
Tastes like?
“There’s a sweetness and softness to this wine that makes it a real crowd pleaser,” Will says.
Sip it with?
Crank up the barbecue or smoker and enjoy some snags, a steak or anything you like over charcoal. It’s perfect with pasta or a homemade pizza, too. “Add it to a slow-cooked dish to maximise flavour without blowing the budget,” he says.
4. Mockingbird Hill Clare Valley Shiraz
Is there anything better than a glass of full-bodied shiraz on a cold winter’s night? We think not. If this is on the cards for you this weekend, add this complex shiraz to the top of your sip list. It’s a classic Clare Valley blend and, according to Will, it’ll be drinking well for a few years, so stock up and cellar it ASAP!
Why you should try it?
“There’s plenty of flavour on offer here and it certainly has more intensity than many others at the same price,” Will says. “Clare Valley shiraz is under-appreciated at times but the quality-to-price ratio is compelling.”
Tastes like?
“This feels silky on the palate and will keep any shiraz devotee happy. Sure, it’s not the biggest, boldest shiraz out there, but there's some great intensity of flavour so give it a chance.”
Sip it with?
Whatever you dream up in the kitchen, make sure it’s roasted or slow-cooked. Red meat goes especially well with a glass of this wine.
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Click image to shop
5. Barbadillo Pedro Ximinez
Sherry fans, this one’s for you. Barbadillo is the champion of affordable quality sherry and this one is no exception. It’s crafted from sun-dried Pedro Ximinez grapes, and it’s intensely vibrant, rich and just asking to be brought out at the end of your dinner party to accompany that cheese platter you meticulously constructed.
Why you should try it?
“One of the best ‘winter warmers’ in-store at Dan’s. Yes, it's a small bottle – it’s 375mL – but you don't need a large glass to enjoy this delightful drop!” Will says. It’s a great introduction to this famous style of sherry from Spain, one of the world's great fortified wines, which also happens to be amazing value for money. We’re sold!
Tastes like?
Sweet and generous – raisin and chocolate characters abound. Follow Will’s lead and enjoy a small sip at a time. “It’s rich and decadent; a little goes a long way in terms of big flavour.”
Sip it with?
It’s time to whip up your favourite chocolate dessert or perhaps a sticky date pudding. For your savoury friends at the table, enjoy this with a selection of cheeses. As for the main course, Will suggests adding a generous glug to slow-cooked beef cheeks. “Make sure you serve them with mashed potato for the ultimate comforting meal.”
