Delicious white wine. Australia?
I know; I know. Lots of people don’t equate the two. But maybe they should. In a recent office tasting, we were knocked out by the quality of Australian white wines—and they were all under $25 to boot. These are wines to stock up on. Spring and summer are coming—and frankly, we’d drink any of these any time.
The wines that made our top list ranged from Chardonnays and Rieslings to Semillons, Viogniers, and Rhône-style blends. All of these grape varieties thrive in Australia’s cooler regions (of which there are many). The wines we loved best were vibrant, bright, pure and very fresh. (If you’re into scores, we scored all of them over 90.) Here are the wines:
PEWSEY VALE EDEN VALLEY DRY RIESLING 2021 (Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia) $17
This bone-dry Riesling is a zipline of deliciousness. If apricot sherbet was not sweet, it would be like this wine! Vivid. Minerally. Uber fresh. Made from old vines growing in one of Australia’s most famous regions for Riesling.
YALUMBA “The Y Series” Unwooded Chardonnay 2021 (South Australia, Australia) $12
A “peaches and cream” Chardonnay with good vibrancy. Round and soft with a slight tropical spin.
BROKENWOOD Hunter Valley Semillon 2022 (Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia) $20
As precise and fresh as a cooling rain shower. Very dry with gentle citrus and lemongrass notes. Australian Semillon usually has (as this one does) more body than Riesling. If you’re a Chardonnay drinker who likes Chardonnays without buttery, oaky flavors, we think you’ll love this.
D’ARENBERG “The Hermit Crab” 2021 (McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia) $16
Beautiful elegance. Loads of rich flavors, but not a bit heavy. Very creamy flavors. Made from 61% Viognier and 39% Marsanne. Anything else we can say?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Write in at winespeed@karenmacneil.com.
