When the chillier months roll around, enjoying a glass of wine is front of mind and synonymous with winter warmers.
While a bottle of red is the most common go-to and a great match with many winter recipes, many richer white varieties can equally bring a warming delight on the dreariest of days.
Whether you are indulging in Christmas in July festivities, a long overdue catch-up with your nearest and dearest, or a quiet night in the warmth of your own home, Brett Fullerton, Winemaker at Constellation Brands, has curated a list of top drops to add to your shopping basket this winter.
YOUNG & CO THE JAM MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ
Boasting glorious flavour and attitude, this McLaren Vale Shiraz brings to life exactly what’s on the bottle. In this case, it’s the enticing flavour of blackberry and plum that sings across the palate for this wine. The Jam McLaren Vale Shiraz has lush flavours of blackberry and dark plum, accompanied by a playful hint of sweet oak and spice. It glistens in tones of deep ruby red and greets you with the scents of fruit mocha and spice. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to lamb shanks or a hearty vegetable stew.
Available for $16 at Dan Murphy’s.
KIM CRAWFORD NEW ZEALAND CHARDONNAY
A perfect balance and full-bodied Chardonnay from both Marlborough and Hawke’s Day New Zealand, this is a succulent, well-rounded Chardonnay in a style uncluttered by oak. Hints of butterscotch and great length of flavour make it a delicious pairing with Camembert cheese, pan seared salmon, or other white meat dishes like a roast chicken.
Available for $22 at First Choice Liquor.
ROBERT MONDAVI PRIVATE SELECTION BARREL-AGED RUM CALIFORNIA MERLOT
Esteemed Californian wine brand Robert Mondavi Private Selection has launched a world-first with the limited release barrel-aged 2018 Robert Mondavi Rum Barrel-Aged Merlot. This Merlot blend the craftmanship of California winemaking with the exotic tradition of Dark Rum barrel aging. The cool climate of the coastal vineyards imparts the wine with jammy flavours of plum and blueberry. Select lots are then aged in Rum barrels, delivering complex nuances of toasted coconut, molasses, and rich vanilla when added to the blend. A superb accompaniment to pasta Bolognese, beef short ribs, jerk chicken, spicy coconut curry, dark chocolate, and Brie with fig jam.
Available for $20 at Dan Murphy’s.
The Group The Murder MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ
The Group harnesses the collective skills, quality, and expertise of around 100 grape growers and their families to deliver a range of full-flavoured, quality wines. The wines from The Group are made in McLaren Vale, one of the well-known wine regions that creates world-renowned Shiraz, and this wine is following in the footsteps. This wine is the gift and perfect accompaniment to take to your next dinner party. It is inky yet bright, with silky dark fruits and excellent length. Bold, smooth, and wonderfully balanced. Nothing pairs better with this wine than a steak or BBQ ribs.
Available for $35 at First Choice Liquor.