Wine merchant Serena Monk believes there’s a wine for every mood, occasion and person. You just have to be adventurous and experimental.
In a past life, this month’s Dan Murphy’s Wine Merchant, Serena Monk, was a head sommelier. So, if you’re lucky enough to have her personally select a wine for you in our Dan Murphy’s Coogee store in Sydney, you’ll experience her passion and knowledge first-hand. The next best thing if you’re not a Coogee local? Reading her picks in this month’s Steals.
“As a sommelier, I would taste anywhere between one to 40 wines of each grape variety blind – not in one sitting! This taught me to analyse a wine fairly and without the prejudice of price, label or producer, and also hone my palate to source wines that are good quality, unique and affordable,” Serena explains. “I believe there is a wine for every mood, every occasion and every person – you just have to be adventurous and experimental.”
Serena believes wine can be affordable as well as delicious. “The wine world is becoming more exciting and adaptable. Wine producers are more progressive and creative, and price points are more approachable,” she explains. It’s all about sipping outside your comfort zone. Serena adds that trying something new, even if it’s not exactly your thing, is worth the risk – you might just discover something special. “My mantra is 'The more you taste the more you know' – it’s the best way to discover your own personal wine style and preferences.”
Her last piece of advice? “Grape varietals that are tricky to pronounce tend to scare people off, but be brave and try them – that’s how you uncover a gem!”
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1. Paul & Meg Pinot Noir
Why should you try it?
This pinot noir is vegan and, as Serena explains, vegan-made wines were initially hard to come by. “They’re becoming more accessible on the market due to awareness and demand,” she explains. “Accolades aside, this is one of the best-value international vegan-made wines I have come across. A modern French pinot noir that’s downright delightful. Extra points for the super-cute label, too!”
Tastes like?
As far as pinots go, this is as light-bodied as they get. “It has quite a pretty bouquet that oozes raspberries, strawberries and hints of spice and all things nice,” says Serena. Although we’re coming into sweater weather, this pinot is just as tasty served chilled on a warm day. But, summer isn’t rolling around any time soon, so get cosy and pour a room-temp glass in front of the fire.
Sip it with?
Serena’s got the right idea, and even factors in the chilly weather. “I'm thinking a vegan mushroom soup with loads of pepper and spice – perfect for cuddling up with your favourite person, animal or book on a winter’s night,” she suggests. “Or if you feel like venturing out, duck pancakes at your local Chinese BYO restaurant.” Table for two, please!
2. Colpasso Nero D'Avola
HBO’s White Lotus (Season 2) wasn’t the only great thing to come out of Sicily. Nero d'Avola is a native grape of the region and the process of creating this tasty wine is quite involved. The vineyards that produce this well-crafted Colpasso Nero D’Avola red are in the Belice area on the western side of the island; a portion of the fruit is treated very carefully during picking and transportation so as not to break the skins (imagine being the driver responsible for not going over any bumps!). The bunches are laid out and dried for 30 days before being gently destemmed, crushed and fermented.
Why should you try it?
According to Serena, nero d’Avola is having a resurgence. “It's delicious, versatile and great value: a Sicilian-born grape variety which miraculously grows on or near Mt Etna (an active volcano) that wine producers have successfully nurtured into a well-respected and sought-after varietal,” Serena explains.
Tastes like?
“There are two sides to the coin when it comes to nero d’Avola: a lean, elegant and soft red fruit flavour versus a bold, concentrated jam-like fruit flavour,” Serena explains. This one by Colpasso is the latter. “Old school winemaking methods have produced an intense and delicious drop – this will surely impress.”
Sip it with?
A big old bowl of slow-cooked bolognese on the couch with The Godfather playing on the TV. Ooft.
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3. Colinas De Lisboa Red Blend
Take a trip to Portugal with the Colinas De Lisboa Red Blend. The grapes are grown in an estate close to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital – picture sprawling slopes covered in vineyards as far as the eye can see. It’s deep in colour and very aromatic, offering delicious notes of ripe black fruit and a smooth, well-balanced character.
Why should you try it?
“Colinas De Lisboa translates to ‘hills of Lisbon’, and when it comes to winemaking, the Portuguese know how to do it well – they’re hugely progressive,” Serena explains. “Don’t fret if you can’t recognise the grapes on the label, Portugal is known to have hundreds of indigenous grapes that are used to create delicious and affordable red blends.”
Tastes like?
“This is a richer style for those who prefer fuller-bodied wines. It has a delightfully smooth mouthfeel and a whole lot of fruity and earthy flavours,” Serena says.
Sip it with?
“When I think of this wine, I picture sitting around a dinner table with the people I love. There’s chatter, the clinking of glasses, knives and forks scraping plates, and a hearty meal, like a slow-cooked beef and mushroom casserole, being enjoyed.”
4. Johnny, Vince & Sam's Vino Dolce Moscato
Why should you try it?
“Moscato is one of the oldest grapes in the world and both Gen Zs and baby boomers love it!” Serena explains. “It's semi-sweet, generous on both nose and palate, and is 8.5% alcohol if you’re watching your ‘stannies’ [standard drinks],” she says. “Johnny, Vince and Sam have spent years figuring out how to make an approachable and highly drinkable wine that won't break the bank – I think it was time well spent!”
Tastes like?
A tropical delight. “Aromas of lychee, pear and honeysuckle, a slight frizzante on the palate – that means it’s only slightly sparkling – lots of fruit flavour, but with an off-dry finish,” Serena says. She also lets us in on an insider’s tip: “You can actually taste and smell more from a sparkling wine if you serve it in a white wine glass – try it out!”
Sip it with?
If you are a fan of spicy food, this wine will pair wonderfully. “Its slightly higher sugar level contrasts yet accentuates the heat of the dish. I’d try it alongside a plate of spicy chicken wings with your favourite human(s) and bib to boot!” Serena knows what’s up.
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5. Minchinbury Reserve Chardonnay Pinot Noir
Minchinbury is a 100-plus-year-old wine label, so you know you’re in for a treat when you pop this sparkling Reserve Chardonnay Pinot Noir. We love Serena’s take on it: the perfect sparkling to have on hand for spontaneous celebrations or friends randomly dropping in, “We all have that one friend, right?”
Why should you try it?
Affordable, versatile and tasty. Need we say more? Serena will. “Under $15 and oh-so likeable; it’s fresh, vibrant and dry. A crowd-pleaser for all occasions and friends – delightful on its own or with salty snacks,” she says. Throw it in a Spritz or sparkling cocktail if you’re feeling extra jazzy.
Tastes like?
“You’ll enjoy green apples and citrus freshness, and be left with a wonderful texture and taste in your mouth. The dry finish will leave you wanting more,” Serena says.
Sip it with?
Do you really need an excuse to visit your local fish and chip joint? No way! But if you’re looking for one, this Minchinbury Reserve Chardonnay Pinot Noir is it. If it's a special occasion, Serena suggests trying it with pan-fried scallops with a generous serving of butter and herbs.
