Talking about just 10 of our favourite wines is, realistically, a pretty impossible task when there are so many incredible varieties out there but you know how much we love to talk about good wine, so it was worth putting it out there.
To keep it fair, we’ve offered five reds and five whites and trust us when we say that these sumptuous wines are some of the finest you could have on your rack or in the cellar right now. What makes it even better is that they don’t cost the earth to enjoy.
Whites
This peachy little beauty is full-bodied and fruity and gives up beautiful notes of creamy vanilla and just the right amount of citrus tang. It’s one of those complex wines that you can get lost in enjoying and you should too – a lot of work has gone into it. The fruit is sourced from the little village of Ige giving this wine an exclusive edge that doesn’t hit you hard in the packet.
If you are intrigued by wines grown at altitude, then this Chardonnay should pique your interest. It’s aromatic and offers lots of character. Guaranteed to be a big hit with connoisseurs who love a higher acid core. This is an Australian wine of great depth and is beautifully drinkable.
This is a medium-bodied firecracker that treats you to a crisp, refreshing finish. A 100 per cent organic wine, this Pinot Blanc has aromas of citrus and honeysuckle. The winemakers suggest enjoying this wine with raw or smoked fish and we cannot argue with that.
Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde Loureiro
It’s no secret that we adore Portuguese wine and this stunning variety is a joy to drink. It’s big on apple and dried herbs and leaves a beautifully clean, citrus finish. It’s another one for those who love their fish too. Try it with a lemon and herb dish and thank us later.
The Paddler Riesling
We couldn’t compile a top 10 without a New Zealand wine and this one is a stunner. An ideal partner to cured meats, it boasts subtle floral notes and a beautifully balanced acidity that complements zingy citrus highlights. When winemaker Matt Thomson isn’t producing wines of exceptional quality, he’s a kayaker who’s competed in world championships, hence the name.
Reds
Few wines can boast an explosion of taste and character that competes with this delectable offering. It’s a big hitter that whips up a heady whirlwind of cherries and dark fruits. The finish is with a bang too, think of black pepper and you’re there. Despite its power it remains gentle and elegant. This is a truly wonderful wine.
Fresh, clean and just about as high as it gets in the drinkability scale, we are big fans off this delicious wine. It’s fruity and supple with hints of cherries and strawberries. There’s hardly a better combination, is there?
Malhadinha Nova Peceguina Tinto
Smooth, medium to full-bodied and incredibly enjoyable. This wine offers everything you would expect from produce of the Alentejo region.
It’s big on taste and gifts lots and lots of silky tannins and a veritable smorgasbord of aromas. If you’re roasting meat, you have to enjoy it with this wine.
If you’re a lover of medium to full-bodied South African wines, then you’ll love this one. It hails from one of South Africa’s oldest wine growing estates – founded in 1756 – so it’s safe to say they are well practiced in what they do. This is a delicious mix of vanilla and dark chocolate.
Millton Crazy by Nature Cosmo Red
There’s lots going on in this one. It’s crazy by name and crazy by nature and we love it. There’s a bit of bitter, a bit of sweet and even a gentle crack of smokiness in there. Put them altogether and, quite astonishingly, you have something to really savour.
