A wine for less than $10 that actually tastes yum? These wines came to play.
Roll up, roll up – it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. No, not the long-awaited return of Paris and Nicole’s The Simple Life (I bloody wish). It’s time for this month’s Steals!
If you recently found $15 in the pocket of an old jacket you haven’t worn since last winter, firstly, congratulations, and secondly, do we have some hot wine recommendations for you. We’re back on the cleanskins – and before you bang on about how you’d never dream of touching the stuff, just hold it right there. I waxed lyrical about the risks and rewards of cleanskins a few Steals ago, but long story short: some are great, some are atrocious. We’re here to help you sniff out the good stuff.
Now let’s be honest with ourselves – no cleanskin is going to be earth-shattering, life-changing, record-breaking wine. But that’s not the goal here. What we’re hunting down are the reliable, quaffable, crowd-pleasing drops that won’t damage your credit rating. Wines you can confidently sip with dinner, take to your in-laws, or serve to your mates without having to take out a third mortgage on that house you don’t own yet. And these budget-friendly cleanskins absolutely fit the bill.
If you don’t believe me, believe Gary. Aside from having the honest eyes of a Disney Princess, Gary Braidner is also the Wine Panel Coordinator at Dan’s, which means he’s a certified expert. He has the terrible job that I definitely don’t envy (read: sarcasm) of tasting thousands of wines each year on his quest to find the best of the best. Some of these wines are very expensive and very famous. Others experiences he’d rather not relive. “Wine can be cheap and good. It can also be expensive and bad,” says Gary. “If you’re looking for quality with a super low price tag, you need to identify a trusted purveyor of vinous substance – one who takes ‘quality control’ seriously.” Well aren’t we lucky I trapped Gary in this room and forced him to answer these questions for us then? Below, Gary’s favourite 5 red cleanskin wines:
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1. Cleanskin No 71 McLaren Vale Shiraz – $8.99
Why should you try it?
Any wino worth their salt believes in the power of McLaren Vale shiraz and this baby delivers. Whether it’s your first step into the region or your 500th, this is a powerful showing of what these delicious South Australian grapes can do at a price way below its value. As Gary says, “This wine is not shy, it’s authentic and it’s very well structured. Value plus.”
Tastes like?
“Genuine McLaren Vale goodness – bold, deeply fruited, dark berries, savoury tannins, and a touch of spice on the finish,” explains Gary. Right in the wheelhouse of today’s shiraz drinker.
What to sip it with?
“A couple of those aged porterhouses that your butcher keeps out the back for special customers,” says Gary. “Don't overcook them.” Wise words.
2. Cleanskin No. 50 South Australia Shiraz – $7.99
Why should you try it?
With a spring in his step, a twinkle in his eye and a full glass of this shiraz, Gary’s a happy chappy. He describes it as “succulent” and “fleshy”, which makes me look at him funny until I try it myself and see he’s absolutely right. It’s the kind of wine you won’t feel shy about offering to guests, even those who fancy themselves a bit of a shiraz snob.
Tastes like?
“The flavours sneak up on you. It starts off innocuously enough, then suddenly there's a delicious wash of red licorice, ripe red berry coulis and sweet spices swishing around your mouth.”
What to sip it with?
You’ve got no choice – you’re going to have to get the charcoal going and grill some skewers of plum-glazed pork. It’s too good a combo to be missed. “Smoky, charry and droolingly fabulous,” says Gary. “I can smell it now.”
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Click image to shop
3. The Painter Cabernet Merlot – $5.00
Why should you try it?
If Goldilocks was of legal drinking age, this would be her wine of choice. As Gary puts it, “It’s medium coloured, medium flavoured, medium tannins – it’s all medium. In a good way, that is. Versatile and eager to please.” Basically, it’s just right. Gary suggests this as a safe choice when you’re not sure of your guest’s tastes.
Tastes like?
Soft and velvety, no hard edges. Ripe, fruity notes of plum and mulberry.
What to sip it with?
This is a wine that plays well with big flavours. Try a Moroccan lamb tagine with all the fruits and spices.
4. Captive Wines Cabernet Shiraz – $5.00
Why should you try it?
This wine has long been a real hit with customers, Gary tells me. The uniquely Aussie blend of cabernet and shiraz is smooth and delicious and makes for easy sipping. “Some people buy it for cooking,” explains Gary, shaking his head. “What?! Do that if you must, but this wine deserves better than that.”
Tastes like?
“Very even across the palate. No vices, just honest to goodness red berries with a hint of cedar and chocolate. Maybe even a touch of mint on the finish.”
What to sip it with?
Save your time for enjoying this wine and pick up a chicken and mushroom pie from the bakery to go with it. “You can always tell people you baked it” – cheeky Gary.
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Click image to shop
5. Key Note Pinot Noir – $9.00
Why should you try it?
“I was about to launch into a spiel about there being no such thing as good, cheap pinot,” says Gary, “but this one certainly isn't bad.” For starters (importantly), it tastes like pinot. Which, trust us, is uncommon at this price. This is light, jaunty and easy to drink, and Gary assures me lighter reds are “in” this season.
Tastes like?
“Breezy,” says Gary, “not a wine you need to think too hard about.” Laden with light, bright, succulent red berries and a dusty, savoury edge, this wine is pretty faultless and chillable if desired.
What to sip it with?
Cheese platters are so last year. Gary suggests “thin slices of sashimi grade tuna, wasabi and soy” as the perfect accompaniment.
