Gold-medal whites for less than $20 from Tahbilk, Coriole, Kilikanoon, Zonte’s Footstep and Cox wine estates
Six award-winning whites showcase the sheer diversity of high-quality, affordable wines produced in the hills and valleys of our winemaking nation.
Wandering through the hills and valleys of Australian wine, you’re constantly reminded of the sheer diversity of high-quality, affordable gems produced year in, year out.
If anything, the breadth of wines we can genuinely say are world-class continues to expand.
Take a look at The Australian Wine Club’s mixed-dozen deal below as one snapshot of what our winemaking nation can do.
Six different white wines; all recognised as gold medal winners here and across the globe; available at everyday, affordable prices.
They’re the type of wines we pull out of our fridges on a summery Saturday afternoon with friends and sit back without a care in the world.
Of course it’s taken years of learning to perfect these seemingly simple creations: Clare Valley riesling from a vineyard planted 40-odd years ago, elegant chardonnay chiselled with care from the coldest wine region on the mainland, a voluptuous viognier packed with generations of winemaking know-how.
From lipsmacking sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio to emerging varietals such as chenin blanc, this line-up of golden whites showcases why Australia is the lucky country of wine.
Cox Family Wines Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2021
From cool slopes 530m above sea level in the Snowy Mountains, comes a classy chardonnay that strikes a balance between fresh fruit and French oak. Generous nectarine and rockmelon aromas on the nose; characteristic Tumbarumba crispness on the palate, with fresh stone fruit flavours and a hint of honey on the way to a clean finish. Matured in 15% new French oak. Gold medals around the world (including at the International Wine & Spirits Awards and the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge) underline the appeal of genuinely cool-climate Australian chardonnay. 13% alcohol; RRP $30 a bottle.
SPECIALS $17.99 a bottle in any dozen; $16.33 a bottle in summer dozen.
Kilikanoon Mort’s Block Watervale Riesling 2020
A Clare Valley classic. Mort’s Block vineyard was planted over 40 years ago in Watervale by Mort Mitchell, father of Kilikanoon’s founder, Kevin Mitchell. Mort’s Block is well known for producing rieslings laced with jasmine, fresh lime and apple characters. Fine acid profile leads to a clean finish. Won Gold at the Clare Valley wine show. 93 points from James Suckling. 12.5% alcohol; RRP $25 a bottle.
SPECIALS $16.99 a bottle in any dozen; $16.33 a bottle in summer dozen.
Tomich Wines Woodside Vineyard Adelaide Hills Pinot Grigio 2021
While some pinot grigio can be fairly neutral when it comes to flavour, this single-vineyard example offers pears, nectarines, a touch of jasmine and musk, with zesty grapefruit flowing through the palate. Nice weight and a bit of texture. Super enjoyable, especially on a hot afternoon. Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. 94 points from Mike Bennie. 12.5% alcohol; RRP $25 a bottle.
SPECIALS $17.99 a bottle in any dozen; $16.33 a bottle in summer dozen.
Zonte’s Footstep Excalibur Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2022
“Leap-from-the-glass” aromatics of gooseberries, lemons and limes grab your attention, dancing against a grassy herbal background. Crisp and tangy palate; citrus and some tropical fruits scream “summer!”. Lovely line of refreshing natural acid. Unfurl the picnic blanket; unwrap the fish and chips. 13% alcohol; RRP $25 a bottle.
SPECIALS $19.99 a bottle in any dozen; $16.33 a bottle in summer dozen.
Victoria’s oldest family-owned winery is renowned for its devotion to Rhone’s white varietals, especially marsanne and viognier. Apricot, limes and orange rind aromas lead to a textured palate of stone fruits, with a touch of ginger and spice. Bags of flavour speak of the perfect 2021 growing season. Balanced acidity drives through to a long, fresh finish. Awarded 95 points from James Halliday. 13.5% alcohol; RRP $21 a bottle.
SPECIALS $19.99 a bottle in any dozen; $16.33 a bottle in summer dozen.
Coriole McLaren Vale Chenin Blanc 2021
The family behind the rise and rise of Coriole typify Australian winemakers’ quest to explore all the world of wine has to offer, trialling, adapting and perfecting new varieties. The Lloyds could have easily settled for producing some of the best old-vine shiraz and grenache in The Vale but spread their wings to sangiovese in the 1980s and are now also having great success with the Italian white fiano and are getting serious about the Languedoc’s picpoul. Coriole was also early to adopt chenin blanc, a crisp summer wine from France’s Loire Valley. The 2021 vintage won gold at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show, with its classic nose of green apples, lemon citrus and grapefruit, and lively textural palate nicely capturing the grape’s refreshing essence. 12.5% alcohol; RRP $22 a bottle.
SPECIALS $18.99 a bottle in any dozen; $16.33 a bottle in summer dozen.
SUMMER DOZEN Two bottles of each wine above for $16.33 a bottle. Save $100 a dozen.
Order online or phone 1300 765 359 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm AEST. Deals available only while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine, LIQP770016550. John Lehmann is the managing director of The Australian.
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