Summer

Arecent word to Damien, head wine guy at Market Wine Store, saw me pick his brain for his best-selling drops that are easy on the palate and the wallet for summer. Here’s his top picks for a perfect summer slurp:

2021 Jim Barry The Atherley Riesling has great citrus drive with trademark acidity to close; whilst the Rosé made by the Calabria Family from the Riverina has been walking out the store. A few bottles of that over Spring Carnival and it certainly has one in La La Land!

Further afield and Damien is pleasantly surprised at how chardonnay is performing. For consistently good drinking, the Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay from Adelaide Hills is one to savour. At a price not for everyday drinking it is handy to have a bottle for when you and the better half are all alone and you wish to spoil yourselves or impress your guests ($54).

Bubbles are still exceptionally popular with NV Deviation Road Altair Brut Rosé a great drink at $35 per bottle. When you consider the pedigree of the winemaker, Kate Laurie, who studied in Champagne and has several years’ experience at major Champagne houses behind her, this is one drink that is worth stretching a little for as a personal reward when the budget is tight.

With red wine, I prefer to keep my red wine in the fridge door over summer (only the bottles I have on the go) or do the totally heathen act and toss an ice cube or two in as 35 degree room temperature doesn’t make for enjoyable red consumption.

What better than a cheeky pinot or other light red?! The Te Mata Estate Gamay Noir from Hawkes Bay in New Zealand at $25 can take a little chill and delivers a fruity, earthy punch on days when you just have to drink red.

Overall, a few suggestions to aid the family budget without having to give up out there and as a category prosecco ticks a lot of boxes for sheer drinkability and affordability.

Always ask the knowledgeable staff at your trusted independent retailer, such as Market Wine Store for their advice and recommendations.

To all of our readers, advertisers and contributors this Festive SeasonCheers & Good Drinking!