France stole the show, but plenty of the world’s greatest wine regions came to play. Find your next fave among the winners.
Navigating the international wine aisles can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Foreign labels don’t always play by the same rules as our local drops – not to mention the fact you can’t always tell at a glance what variety they are. But that’s exactly where the Dan Murphy’s Best in Glass Wine awards come to the rescue.
Yep, the Dan Murphy’s Wine Merchants have done all the hard work for us. Starting with a pool of more than 700, the team has tried, tested and judged the wines to find the cream of the crop, awarding the best local (covering Australia and New Zealand), best value and, what you came here for, the best international releases. They span a range of sparkling, white and red styles.
Every winning wine is clearly named by varietal, so you know exactly what you’re getting. And if you think foreign wines always come with a sky-high price tag, every wine in this competition comes in at under $50 – proof that you don’t need to fork out for Barolo to enjoy something exceptional from a region you may not have tried before.
There’s also a special My Dan’s member price on each winner for a limited time (offers end 28 May), so if you’re ready to branch out, now’s the time.
- Best sparkling non-vintage: Charles Orban Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Top Champagne for under $50? Believe it. This fine fizz, made from chardonnay, has everything you want from Champagne, including letting you feel smug about finding a true bargain.
Non-member price: $49.99 | My Dan’s member price: $44
- Best chardonnay: Jean Marc Brocard Chablis
An excellent intro to France’s Chablis wines, this crisp and chalky chardonnay is right at home with fish. Fried, grilled or fresh, your favourite fish dish will let this wine shine.
Non-member price: $44.99 | My Dan’s member price: $39
- Best sauvignon blanc: Patient Cottat Sancerre
Forget what you know about NZ sauv, Sancerre puts its own stamp on the style. Think wet stone, nashi pear, kiwi fruit and more. Basically, think yum.
Non-member price: $48.99 | My Dan’s member price: $44
- Best riesling: Dr Loosen Riesling
See why this German producer is a riesling icon with this crip, fresh and citrusy wine. Serve it with a schnitty for the best ‘what grows together, goes together’ pairing.
Non-member price: $22.99 ($23.29 in QLD) | My Dan’s member price: $19
- Best pinot gris/grigio: Versato Pinot Grigio
One of the best things about this Italian pinot grigio is that its fresh nectarine and pear flavours and crisp, dry finish make it an excellent addition to just about any meal (or post-work knock-off).
Non-member price: $29.99 | My Dan’s member price: $26
- Best white blend: Maison Les Alexandrins Cotes du Rhône Blanc
Expect pear notes and subtle candied lemon in this Rhone blend of grenache blanc, viognier and marsanne. Rich, complex and ideal to go with your next fish and chips.
Non-member price: $24.99 | My Dan’s member price: $21
- Best other white varietal: Primo Bianco Mesa Vermentino
Italy continues to make some of the world’s best food-friendly wines, and this vibrant, intense vermentino is a case in point. The judges agree it will pair especially well with seafood.
Non-member price: $26.99 | My Dan’s member price: $23
- Best rosé: Miraval Provence Rosé
Founders Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are the least interesting thing about this wine. It shows just how fresh and light, yet complex and flavoursome, a dry rosé can be.
Non-member price: $41.99 | My Dan’s member price: $38
- Best shiraz: Cave de Tain Saint Joseph Grand
Dry, earthy and full of wild herbs – that’s a perfect description of this Northern Rhône red as well as the Aussie outback getaway you should bring it along to.
Non-member price: $46.99 | My Dan’s member price: $40
- Best pinot noir: Decoy by Duckhorn California Pinot Noir
From one of California’s big-name producers, this is rich with big cherry and raspberry notes, but it’s not too OTT. Sip it on the couch with friends as you binge your favourite show.
Non-member price: $49.99 | My Dan’s member price: $44
- Best grenache: Chapoutier Cotes du Rhône
Fresh, modern and fruit-driven in all the right ways, the judges described this wine as a ‘French bistro’ style, making it pitch-perfect for a long lunch – all cuisines and flavours welcome.
Non-member price: $22.99 | My Dan’s member price: $20
- Best cabernet sauvignon: Chateau Haut Madrac Rouge
With respect to household staples 'tasty' and 'pizza blend', this winning French wine’s refined cherry, blackberry, vanilla and cedar notes go best with cheese more on the fromage side of things.
Non-member price: $34.99 | My Dan’s member price: $31
- Best red blend: Chateau Peymouton Saint Emilion
From Bordeaux, this is a classic merlot-dominant blend that’s full-bodied and silky with plummy notes, which will all pair beautifully with a home cooked French meal (coq au vin is easier than you might think).
Non-member price: $48.99 | My Dan’s member price: $44
- Best other red varietal: Vina Real Reserva Rioja
This modern take on a classic Spanish style has all the ripe fruit flavour and spice you could need to accompany a feast of tapas-inspired bites. Paella and jamon? Yes please.
Non-member price: $39.99 | My Dan’s member price: $35
