Fancy trying a bottle of something new but not sure what to pick? That’s why we’re here. Drop in to see us and we’ll happily provide some grape related inspiration.
We regularly select some wines that we think are interesting and let you know why. You’ll see these wines in our shop with a ‘Vino Gusto recommends’ sticker on. Take away a copy of our tasting notes or have a read of them here…
Pink Moscato, Innocent Bystander, Yarra Valley, Australia, 2019, 5.5%, 250ml can
Wine in a can…
Controversial? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
A delicious blend of natural sweetness and fizz with crisp acidity thanks to early picking and minimal intervention in the winery (to retain freshness and natural effervescence). In the words of Huon Hooke, ‘Aussie moscato doesn’t come better than this’.
Don’t be put off by the can – it’s the perfect vessel for this little treat. Don’t look in the Marjoram’s fridge, they’ll have an embarrassing amount of this stuff…
Chianti Rufina, Selvapiana, Tuscany, Italy, 2018, 13.5%
It has been at least a few weeks since we last raved about how good this elegant, cool climate Chianti is. It’s about time that we mentioned it again, especially as our restaurant has re-opened. On the menu is the most indulgent beef short rib that’s just dying for an earthy, spicy, elegant wine to pair alongside it.
Chianti often gets bad press, due to large imports of bulk produced, tannin heavy, acidity off-the-charts style supermarket plonk. This is the complete opposite. I stayed with Federico Giuntini Masseti (owner and maker) last year and witnessed first-hand the care and passion that goes into making the pretty, ethereal Selvapiana style wines.
Watervale Riesling, Mount Horrocks, Clare Valley, Australia, 2019, 12.5%
The month of July is ’31 days of German Riesling’ in the wine trade. I might start a campaign for August to be ’31 days of Aussie Riesling’… It’s one of my favourite styles and this is one of my favourite and (relatively) affordable examples.
Absolutely bone dry with racing acidity and a huge hit of lime and slate aromas, just as one might expect from this style. Backed up with subtle white blossom notes and a (very) slight hint of classic Riesling petroleum notes.
If you’re coming in for dinner this week and going ‘all out’ (because you’re taking advantage of Rishi’s scheme!), try this alongside the Fritto Misto starter. A classic pairing.
Valpolicella, Allegrini, Veneto, Italy, 2019, 13%
The Allegrini family are the biggest and best family owned producers in the Veneto region. Their Valpol is a modern benchmark standard for others to aspire to. Comparable to light Beaujolais in style, it is juicy, lively and easy to drink. Best enjoyed ever so slightly chilled to accentuate the juicy fruits even more. What we might call a ‘lunchtime red’…
The wine is bright ruby red and has pure red fruit aromas complemented by fresh herbs and peppers. The fruits are just as present on the palate, balanced with a vibrant acidity and smooth, soft tannins.
