Six under $25 wines to knock back this summer
This easy-sipping sparkling wine will make a great addition to your Christmas lunch—and it won’t break the bank.
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Raise a glass to summer and the silly season with these great-value wines — all costing under $25.
Whether you’re after a fruit-forward chardonnay, a bright rose from central Victoria or even a bottle of bubbles from High Country, there’s something bound to suit most tastes.
2019 PIZZINI NONNA GISELLA SANGIOVESE, $24
Hello pizza pal. This pretty, young, vibrant number is all about the fruit. Perfumed with red cherry and soft spice, this no-fuss number glides along the palate with wonderful red juicy plum and sweet tinned tomatoes. Delicate tannins. A savoury finish. Also ace with pasta.
2020 DEVILS CORNER CHARDONNAY, $22
It’s bright, light and will make you do a double-take. Is this really chardonnay?
Yep, you better believe it. Thank Tassie’s east coast, cool climate growing conditions for those crisp green apples, zesty lemon and ripe melon flavours. Ageing in Old French barriques explains why oak is almost undetectable. A creamy, tight finish. What a bargain. Bottoms up.
Dar Murphy’s
NV BROWN BROTHERS PROSECCO, $20
Warning. Big tingly, mouth-fizz is expected with this wine. Don’t worry, it’s a deliciously good, very smashable drop from the Brown Brothers crew in northeast Victoria. Think ripe pear, crisp apples and a lemony citrus that won’t quit. Notes of peach and stone fruit are also present. It puts the ‘King’ in King Valley prosecco.
Dan Murphy’s, Liquorland
2021 TAHBILK GRENACHE MOURVÈDRE ROSÉ, $21.50
Think Provence-style rosé, but dial up red berry vibes. Sharing similar savoury characteristics, Tahbilk’s dry-style rosé is overloaded with raspberries, watermelon, ripe stone fruit, lively grapefruit and a whisper of musk. Winemaker Alister Purbrick picks these two sun-loving varieties (grenache and mourvedre) early to keep things tasting fresh. Another Nagambie winner.
Booze Bud, cellar door.
2016 ARAKOON CABERNET SAUVIGNON, $16
This pocket rocket out of McLaren Vale drinks more like a Chianti or Nebbiolo than cabernet.
Made in 2016, it’s starting to show its age with syrupy dark fruits, vanilla and peppery spice on the nose. It’s a medium-bodied drop with plush red plums and red capsicum flavours. Aggressive tannins and lively acidity wrestle for your attention over a long finish. Great value for money.
Cellar door, Just Wines
2019 YERING FARM DUCK DOWN UNDER PINOT NOIR, $24
Awash with bright red berries before leaning into a mushroomy, earthy funk. There’s persistent tannins and a lift of white pepper and spice to finish. Earns its namesake through its silky mouthfeel. The Yarra Valley’s drawcard grape doesn’t disappoint in Yering Farm’s expression. Makes for dangerously easy sipping – a steal for under $25.
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