Feeling fancy, but frugal? Our expert spills the wine aisle’s best-kept secrets.
If you dug into my search history, underneath “Is Timothée Chalamet single?” and “lyrics to Lady Marmalade” (I WILL nail that Lil’ Kim verse one day), you’d find more than a few searches for something like “best cheap wine”. And there’s a lot of advice out there. Problem is, it’s mostly from people who know sweet FA about wine.
I know brilliant cheap wine exists. I’ve seen it. I’ve tasted it. I’ve had long, restless nights dreaming about it. But just like my Apple TV remote, when I actually need it, it’s bloody hard to find. So we’re taking it to the experts – the people who truly know their stuff. And once a month we’ll bring you the wine aisle’s best-kept secrets. Today, it’s vino under $10 that truly (and we mean it) competes with the spenny stuff. Welcome to Steals – our newest monthly column.
Today we’ve tracked down Gary Braidner, Wine Panel Coordinator at Dan Murphy’s. Drinking wine is, quite literally, his job. He tastes thousands of wines each year – in fact, this year he tasted 720-plus wines for our upcoming Decoded awards. He knows a good drop when he tastes one. He’s sampled wines that I’d have to auction a kidney for, but he’s also a superstar when it comes to finding diamonds in the rough.
So for all you frugal but fancy drinkers out there, here’s Gary’s best summer white wines under $10.
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Hidden Drop Pinot Grigio – $9.00
Why should you try it?
“Oh it’s a pinot grigio, daaaarling”, you can say in your best Judi Dench voice, flipping your lustrous hair casually over your shoulder while you pour this into your finest IKEA glass to the rapturous applause of your guests. As if that weren’t enough, it scored 91 points from the Dan Murphy’s Wine Panel and it’s Gary’s pick of the litter for all your picnic parties. Bring this (and its fabulous rating) along and you’re sure to be a hit.
Tastes like?
Apple, sliced brown pear and honeysuckle. In the infinite wisdom of Gary, this wine is “persistent and good.” And what Gary says, we trust.
What to sip it with?
Channel your inner Nigella and toss together a cos lettuce, apple and fennel salad. The crunchiness of the salad is a stellar partner for the crispness of the grigio.
Cleanskin No 05 Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris – $9.99
Why should you try it?
Don’t let the ‘Cleanskin’ label put you off – this bad boy is worth far more than its weight in gold. Hailing from the home of many a fine wine, the Adelaide Hills, Gary reckons this drop is as tasty as it is affordable, hence its 90-point rating from the Wine Panel. If you picked up number one on this list already, then, as Gary says, “This is the perfect opportunity to discover the difference between ‘grigio’ and ‘gris’. Hint: gris is richer and rounder.”
Tastes like?
All the classic textural pear and apple flavours, plus light honey and spice, and all things nice.
What to sip it with?
Avocado and salmon sushi rolls. The textural elements of the sushi and the wine are a perfect match – something you can say with confidence as you pour a glass for your hot date.
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Cleanskin Brown Label Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc – $8.99
Why should you try it?
Alright Adelaide Hills, now you’re just showing off. This sauvignon blanc comes from “Australia’s best savvy region” – thanks for the hot tip, Gary! – and it’s a prime example of why they’re known for it, at a price that costs less than a triple venti half-sweet non-fat caramel macchiato (and tastes a venti-load better). It’s bang for your buck in a bottle.
Tastes like?
Lively and lifted fruit aromas. Think tangy fruit salad, with a crispy finish.
What to sip it with?
I’ll let Gary take it away here: “Asian chicken, thai basil and crunchy noodle salad for a potpourri of flavours and aromas in the glass and on the plate.” What a way with words (and wine).
Cleanskin Adelaide Hills Riesling – $9.99
Why should you try it?
Good old riesling, despite its scintillating brilliance, has been out of fashion for some years. But as Gary says, “The bright side is you can easily find very good quality ‘rizza’ for not a lot of money”. And this excitement machine displays excellent regional intensity. The Wine Panel gives this drop 91 points, landing it firmly in the ‘Impressive’ category.
Tastes like?
Classic “rizza” tang. Soft and fragrant. Limes and lemons. A crowd-pleasing drop.
What to sip it with?
Oysters. The crisp acidity of this riesling is the ideal balance for nature’s salty hor d'oeuvre.
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Cleanskin No 78 Sauvignon Blanc – $8.99
Why should you try it?
Yes, it’s another Cleanskin. Yes, it has an impressive 90-point rating from the Wine Panel. Yes, it costs less than a drive-thru meal deal. And yes, this little baby makes the perfect BYO bottle for that dinner you have tonight. Gary describes it as “Zippy, zingy, and perfect with friends.” You’ve got me sold, Gary.
Tastes like?
Gary says it’s “as clear and refreshing as a mountain spring” – which sounds like just what we all need on a balmy summer’s day.
What to sip it with?
Vietnamese rice paper rolls stuffed full of fragrant greenery. The aromatics and freshness of the wine suit the rolls perfectly.
Educated Guess Sauvignon Blanc – $7.00
Why should you try it?
“I can’t reveal where the fruit was sourced but, guaranteed, you’d be impressed,” says Gary with a sly twinkle in his eye. “You can quote me on that.” And indeed I have, Gary. Because although the origins are shrouded in secrecy, it hits a dazzling 90 points on the Wine Panel scale, so you can take an ‘educated guess’ (see what we did there?) that this wine bats above its weight. But you don’t have to guess, because we’ve got Gary. His expert opinion? “This wine is inexpensive, refreshing and you don't have to think too hard about it.” Who can argue with that?
Tastes like?
Crisp, aromatic and super fresh.
What to sip it with?
Whip up a Thai green curry. Or better yet, order one from that great place down the road. The aromatics of this wine will go really well with the creamy, punchy flavour of your dinner, and even better with the feeling of not having to cook.
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