If 50 years ago someone told you that Australia was about to become a top-wine country, you would have received strange looks and maybe a few laughs. The country not only produces a massive amount of wine, but also has refined the methods and blends to achieve spectacular bottles. Today we bring you a list of twelve budget-friendly wines that also stand out for being good. One glass a day, just like the doctor says!
1. De Iuliis Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - $18
A not so young bottle from the Italian-australian
De Iuliis family, this cabernet is an ‘all-road’ wine, meaning it works for every occasion – from barbecues to Wednesday pasta.
2. High Altitude Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon - $24
Australian Wine Companion said this wine is ‘special value for money’, meaning that you don’t have to go broke in order to taste a good wine. An overachiever bottle from the Eden Valley in Southern Australia, made by the
Ashmead family.
3. Christian Moueix Merlot – $14.60
The Moueix Family are the creators of one of the finest wines in the world – the Petrus, for which people has paid up to $10,000 a bottle. This Merlot has received the name of ‘
Baby Petrus’ because it provides a resemblance to its older, more expensive sibling.
4. Riddoch Merlot - $14
A young Merlot made by John Riddoch, one of the pioneers in the rich history of Australian wines. A highly regarded bottle that also offers the possibility of being cellared for a couple of years without losing a bit of its
quality.
5. Brown Brothers Crouchen Riesling - $11.99
Brown Brother’s sweet Riesling is a must in any wine list that comes out during summertime. A wine to sit back and enjoy, whether after dinner or before. Summer is not summer without a sip of Brown Brothers’
best.
6. 2006 Chapman Grove RGV Dry Red - $20
The Chapman Grove is the opportunity to taste a wine that doesn’t fall under the ‘young’ category while still at good price. Soft yet memorable, it goes better when paired with red meat. Get yours
here!
7. 2010 Thistle Hill Nine Bunches Shiraz - $19.99
Ever had an organic wine? If not, we recommend you to start with Thistle Hill’s wines, who have been developing organic bottles since 1984 – they know what they’re doing. Their Nine Bunches Shiraz is no
exception.
8. 2013 Grant Burge Hayburner Shiraz - $21.99
This Shiraz by Grant Burge carries the mark of its maker: full-bodied, plentiful and affordable. Heavy on oak, the perfect wine for a
pantagruelian barbecue.
9. J Opi Malbec Rose - $18.99
Another summer
treat, this rose is a creation from the fine Argentine winemaker Rodolfo Sadler, who scooped the ‘Best Malbec in Argentina’ back in 2008. A master’s creation for a Shakespearean summer night.
10. Lake Breeze Chapel Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 - $22
A young wine from old vines is a formula that often works well. Lake Breeze is the perfect example – soft yet full-bodied, rich in the palate yet delicate. One of the most
interesting wines of this series.
11. RedHeads Lot 7 Shiraz 2013 - $20
This Shiraz is a bold, straight-up wine, perfect for those who like to try new things. With more lovers than haters, it’s a bit of a strange bottle – limited production and not widely available. Secure yours
here.
12. Ninth Island Sparkling - $18.99
Our last spot is reserved for an Australian Sparkling thathas proven its value along the years. Celebrate with thissophisticated, truly overachiever
wine!