Sarah Limacher
Wine Expert
Spring marks the beginning of the sunshine! The way we eat, socialise, entertain and drink change and the days get a little bit longer as we catch a glimpse of summer. We move away from rich comfort foods, warm pyjamas and heavier wines and seek things with a little more refreshment and refinement.
Here are my top drops to kick off spring in style and impress your friends with some new, exciting and tasty drops at your next get together. Whether you love white, red or rose .. there’s something here for everyone!
Toppers Mountain Bricolage Blanc 2014, New England, NSW.
This new England winery is kicking some serious goals and this very tasty little blend of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Sav is an absolutely delicious start to the gorgeous days of Spring. Pair with a poached chook, pea puree, broad beans and spring vegetables.
Available online at Toppers.com.au, $35
Bellwether wines Nero D’Avola Rose 2014, Heathcote, Victoria
The sun is out and rose drinkers everywhere are rejoicing and this wine gets a big hallelujah from me. This Sicilian grape gives juiciness, spiciness and texture. Dry and drinkable, the perfect pink for spring, winemaker Sue Bell has done a fab job on this wine.
Available online at Bellwether Wines, $25
Stargazer Tupelo Pinot Gris / Gewurztraminer / Riesling 2015, Tasmania
Sammy Connew’s Stargazer label continues to impress and this lovely little blend is a lovely addition to the Stargazer stable. Flavours of crunchy green pear, orange peel and musky florals all intermingle beautifully. A beguiling and delicious wine for spring.
Available online at stargazerwine.com.au, $30
Briar Ridge Estate ‘The Dam’ Verdelho 2015, Hunter Valley, NSW
The Winner of the 2015 Hunter Valley wine shows Verdelho Tiara! Winemaker Gwyn Olsen has shown her deft winemaking hand here with a varietal that can all to often be a little one dimensional and unexciting. Nice vibrancy of fruit and some yummy flavour of guava, white peach and pineapple. Perfect for picnics and alfresco dining.
Available online at briarridge.com.au, $23
The Lane vineyard block 2 Pinot Gris 2014, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
A little hint of blush in the colour will lure you in here! A lovely musky perfumed nose, garden roses and fresh pear. Great length and texture on the palate makes it a great food wine, I recently enjoyed with lovely tuna belly sashimi and it was divine.
Available online at thelane.com.au, $25
Unico Zelo Dolcetto 2014, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
I love these wines! Brendan and Laura Carter are shaking up the wine world and we both share a love for Italian varietals and sausage dogs! Dolcetto translates to mean sweet little thing and is a lovely variety when done well, thirst quenching and bursting with lush fruit, don’t be afraid to chill it a little for ultimate spring refreshment numbers are limited so catch em if you can here:
Available online at unicozelo.com.au
Pfeiffer Estate Gamay 2014, Rutherglen, Victoria
Another red for thirst quenching and perfect for this beautiful spring weather. Another wine I love to drink slightly chilled as the temperature starts rising and it is jam packed full of pretty fruit flavours like wild strawberry and raspberry with a nice lick of savouriness.
Available online at pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au, $18
Mon Tout Shiraz 2014, Margaret River, Western Australia
Howard Park’s Richard Burch has embarked on his own little labour of love and the result is Mon Tout Wines. The Shiraz offers lovely upfront fruit, think blueberries, sour cherry and a whiff of cola. Theres lots to love here and a nice red for the warmer months ahead.
For orders contact Rich at: richard@hpw.com.au
CRFT Wines Chapel Valley Pinot Noir 2014
When I first tasted Candice and Frewin’s wines I was immediately captivated. Such beautiful expressions of place and variety. It’s really exciting to watch. This Pinot is just a delight. A nose of lavender and red fruits with gorgeous freshness and vibrancy.
Available at crftwines.com.au, $39
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