Drink well but pay less this Christmas

RPP’s Wine O’Clock crew have selected some great wines for Christmas that won’t break the bank.

Let’s Start with a sparkling wine. The Blue Pyrenees (regular medal winner at the International Cool climate Wine Show) have brought out a cracker “Midnight Cuvee” which has won best sparkling wine at the recent Victorian Wine Show. ($30). If you something pleasant that is a little cheaper, try Brown Brothers Prosecco (around $14).

If you want a great Chardonnay, local winery Montalto picked up Gold for all six of their entries at the Vic Wine Show. Best Value to the $30 Pennon hills Chardy for $30 – Best Victorian Wine on Show.

Or to go cheaper the silver medallist from Margaret River Madfish at $14. The ever reliable Oakridge Over The Shoulder for $19 or local tyro Phaedrus at $25.

Like a Riesling? Pewsey Vale from Eden Valley or Pikes from Clare around $20.

Rose may take your fancy. Swan Bay is a gold medal winner (from Scotchman’s Hill) and usually under$20. Or try Portsea Estate or Baillieu from Merrick General Store. Medal winners under $25.

Who doesn’t love a good red? Try Red Knot – from McLaren Vale’s Shingleback. A mere $14 and both Shiraz and Cabernet are great. (The Shiraz has Gold at Sydney and at McLaren Vale to its name).

Tar and Roses with Shiraz or Tempranillo is also a medal winner under $20.

Want a sticky for your desert? Try a Morris Muscat from Rutherglen. The top one may put you back $85, but the lwueur is available for $18 and has a silver medal under the belt, If you see Stanton and Killen or Pfeiffer – try theirs as well.

Next time you pop into Aldi try their medal winners: One Road Shiraz (blend of Rutherglen and Barossa fruit) or Blackstone Shiraz. Probably under $15. If you don’r mind a little sweetness the Southpoint Rose is around $5 and consistently gets medals. Or the El Toro Tempranillo (white label or black label) is under $10

Merry Xmas from the Wine O’Clock team and all at RPPFM

Neil Williams