Including a joyful gamay and one of this Wine Merchant’s favourite bottles of Australian shiraz.
This month we picked the brain of Wine Merchant Mario Laus, who’s based out of our Dan Murphy’s Cheltenham store in Melbourne. And boy, are we glad we did. So many solid wines made it on the list! Mario is happiest when he’s discovering wines that are great value – he says you just have to start by looking at the most popular grape varieties. “When you consider sparkling, prosecco, sauvignon blanc, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, you’ll see there's an abundance of wine being produced by up-and-coming brands that want to showcase their product at a lower price to be able to get in the market,” he explains.
There’s a little something for everyone on this list. As always, they’re all under $15, because good wine should be accessible to everyone – and we’ll yell it from the rooftop until the cows come home!
Click image to shop
1. Woodvine & Co King Valley Prosecco
Why should you try it?
This wine has everything you look for in a good prosecco: a soft palate, a generous bead (that refers to how well it bubbles) and a hint of fruit – in this case, white peach. Heralding from Victoria's King Valley, an area where most Italian grape varietals thrive, this wine keeps customers coming back for more, according to Mario. “It definitely punches above its weight.”
Tastes like?
Not too sweet, not too dry – that means it accommodates a lot of people’s tastes. “Woodvine & Co has created something that sits perfectly in the middle, with hints of nectarine and bubbles that are luscious and consistent.”
Sip it with?
This goes down a treat with light dishes typically enjoyed during the warmer months; think cold meat cuts, prawns and a dozen oysters. Pssst, try adding a splash of this to the mignonette you serve with those oysters. *Chef’s kiss*.
2. Colpasso Grillo Sicilia
Why should you try it?
Grillo is a Sicilian grape you may not come across often, and was once used exclusively for making fortified Marsala wine. Luckily, around the '90s, clever winemakers started to use grillo on its own to make a dry white wine. and these days we love it as an alternative to pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. It can be hard to find in Australia, though, especially at this sort of price.
Tastes like?
“This one is lighter in body with a light, sweet finish, making it very approachable to sauvignon blanc lovers,” explains Mario. It’s fresh, smooth and crisp with just a hint of fruitiness.
Sip it with?
Take your pick from a grilled chicken dish or a pizza bianco (basically a pizza made without tomato sauce). Your tastebuds will have a fun time if you eat something with potatoes or red onion alongside this one, too.
Click image to shop
Click image to shop
3. Domaine des Amoureux Muscadet Sur Lie
Why should you try it?
Made from another less common grape (Melon de Bourgogne), muscadet hails all the way from the western Loire Valley region in France. This minerally drop displays fresh fruit aromas and flavours of subtle citrus and white flowers. A perfectly balanced and refreshing wine for anyone who enjoys acidity and wants a wine that is not fruit-dominant.
Tastes like?
“This is a very well-structured wine – it’s got good complexity and length,” Mario says.
Sip it with?
Seafood, seafood and more seafood! “From a seafood paella and mussels, to scallops and grilled salmon – it’s not a seafood feast without a bottle of Domaine des Amoureux Muscadet Sur Lie.”
4. Famille Bougrier Gamay
Why should you try it?
The best way to describe this gamay? Jolly! Yep, that’s right – this wine has a pep in its step. It’s fruity and balanced, with just the right amount of spice. Produced by Famille Bougrier, who have been mastering the art of fine wines in the Loire Valley since 1885, it’s a killer choice if you’re a fan of Beaujolais (also made from the gamay grape). “This is an everyday quaffer and a great alternative to a young pinot noir without the price tag,” says Mario.
Tastes like?
“An exhibition of fresh red fruit and a subtle spice to finish.” Divine!
Sip it with?
Pop this one on the table if a roast chicken is on the menu – trust us! “This also matches really nicely with caramelised onion and hard French cheese,” suggests Mario.
Click image to shop
Click image to shop
5. Tatachilla Reserve Shiraz
Why should you try it?
Mario sees (and tastes) a lot of wine as a Dan Murphy’s Wine Merchant, so you know when he says this wine is one of his favourite bottles of Australian shiraz, it must be good! “The Mediterranean-like climate in McLaren Vale (where this is made) makes it very approachable, smooth and enjoyable even on a warm night,” he says.
Tastes like?
“Bold and rich in the best way possible – you’ll notice a concentration of ripe dark fruits beautifully surrounded by warm spices with subtle tannins.”
Sip it with?
If you’re planning on barbecuing some pork and fennel sausages, this is the perfect accompaniment, according to Mario. A juicy rib eye and local semi-hard cheeses wouldn’t go astray either.
