In the words of our expert, “It’s hard work tasting all these wines every day, but someone's gotta do it!”
Kranthi Gudipati, the fabulous Dan Murphy’s Wine Merchant featuring in this month’s Steals column, knows a thing or two about food and wine – he’s been working in the industry for the past 20 years. He says the trick to finding great wines that punch above their price range is to always be tasting. “In order to advise people, I keep tasting and am always thinking about how they stack up against each other at various price points,” says Kranthi. “It’s hard work tasting all these wines every day, but someone's gotta do it!” Amen.
His advice for those who are always searching for that holy grail wine – the one that tastes incredible, but doesn’t cost a fortune – is to grab a Dan Murphy’s Wine Merchant in-store. “Look for the recommendation from a team member – we’re here to help.” We agree. Are we biased? Yes. But is it great advice? Absolutely. These guys truly know their stuff.
Kranthi also recommends broadening your wine variety horizons. “Always try something new, especially at lower price points. Explore and find your next favourite wine style, region or grape varietal. How long can someone just drink that same shiraz on repeat?” Fair point, Kranthi.
These are his picks; they’re non-complicated styles, easy to enjoy and “go well with Netflix”. Intrigued? Let’s do this!
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1. Mille Bolle Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
Why should you try it?
This light, crisp white wine with pear skin, white apricot and tonic water aromas and stone fruit flavours is, in the words of Kranthi, “bottled to impress”. It’s straight out of a well-known wine-growing region in north-eastern Italy and you’ve got the Sacchettos (an Italian family originally from Tuscany who’ve been making wine since the 1920s) to thank for what might just become your new favourite white. Controlled cool fermentation in stainless steel fermenters results in utterly delightful definition and freshness – this pinot grigio impress from the first sip.
Tastes like?
“Light and fresh, showing textbook-style pinot grigio notes like lemon zest and green olives,” Kranthi explains.
Sip it with?
Think of the classic summer dishes you whip out the moment the temperature hits above 25 degrees – citrus-based salads or seafood dishes are a given. Cheeseboard? You bet. Enjoy a glass of this with hard Italian cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano.
2. Yalumba Y Series Viognier
Why should you try it?
According to Kranthi, a good viognier is a hard find – especially one at a price like this. Yalumba’s is on the fresher, lighter end of the viognier spectrum and shows all the unique characteristics of this exotic variety without being too rich on the palate. Its label depicts a healthy vine leaf, a representation of the brand’s winemaking ethos and its holistic approach to sustainability.
Tastes like?
“Expect a perfume of fresh flowers, lemongrass, honeydew melon, almond meal, hints of warmth and, overall, a very nice concentration of flavours,” Kranthi says. We’re sold.
Sip it with?
Picture a warm spring afternoon. You grab a bottle and head to your local Thai restaurant to pick up a few of your favourite dishes to take to the local park. Sounds like an ideal scenario if you ask us.
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3. St Huberts The Stag Pinot Noir
Why should you try it?
When you hear the words sophisticated and refined, you know you’re in for a good time. “Under $15 doesn’t get any better than this pinot noir – made locally in Victoria too,” Kranthi says. Expect currants, cranberries, muddled strawberries and spice that support supple tannins and an elegant finish. Divine!
Tastes like?
“A nice, bright and fruit-forward style with notes of cherry ripe, strawberries and lingering mouthfeel,” Kranthi says. You’ll no doubt enjoy its light to medium-bodied finish, too.
Sip it with?
A big old charcuterie or cheese platter! Don’t hold back on those cured meats, and throw in a bowl of olives for good measure.
4. Ciao Bella Sangiovese
Why should you try it?
Fact: Chianti is a Mecca for sangiovese grapes – this one by Ciao Bella is rich, deep and vibrant, and full of gusto! The label shows a chic Italian woman riding a vespa with the wind in her scarf, and if that isn’t a big Italian mood, we don’t know what is. It’s easy to drink and very food-friendly, too.
Tastes like?
“Bright strawberries, pomegranate, with a velvety mouthfeel and clean finish,” Kranthi says.
Sip it with?
There’s something about cracking this on a weeknight after you’ve popped on a slow-cooked bolognese that morning that just works. It’s a great accompaniment to a barbecued steak or a Sunday roast.
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5. La Plancheliere Sparkling Rosé NV
Why should you try it?
“Here we have sparkling wine, which is a crisp, refreshing drink with slight sweetness based on cabernet franc grapes,” Kranthi explains. “Loire Valley [where this wine is made] is known for its great value wines across the world, including Paris bistros.” In the words of someone who left a review on our website, this wine is “the perfect sitting-on-the-verandah-in-the-sunshine-with-friends bubbly” and we are absolutely here for it. Plus, sparkling rosés just feel a little more fun, don’t they?
Tastes like?
“On the nose you’ve got bright red currants, spiced rhubarb and sweet red bell peppers. It tastes a little sweet, yet finishes dry with notes of spiced cherries, cherry tomatoes and orange peel.”
Sip it with?
This is a wine to enjoy with food that’s got some heat (read: spice) as its hint of sweetness complements it nicely. “Try it the next time you serve some cured meats at your next dinner party as well – it’ll be a hit!”
