Unánime “Gran Vino Tinto” is the flagship blended red from noted Argentinean winery La Mascota, located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza.
Made from a combination of 60 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 per cent Malbec and 15 per cent Cabernet Franc, the intensely flavoured and notably smooth 2019 vintage dominates the palate with sun-ripe flavours of blackberry, plum and black cherry, complemented by hints of leather, vanilla and mocha.
Although cellar-worthy, this voluptuous, eager-to-please wine is drinking beautifully now: layered liquid velvet culminating with a very long finish.
It’s well worth $34.50.
Woodbridge is the budget label for California’s iconic Robert Mondavi Winery, and their Chardonnay is, no surprise, a simple but well-made crowd pleaser.
The aromas are enticing, while the palate mostly offers orchard fruit flavours (pear, apple, peach) supplemented by touches of vanilla, honey and oak.
This medium- to full-bodied wine has a buttery mouthfeel offset by a refreshing acidity. Good value at $17, it’s fine for sipping and great with a wide range of dishes.
Faustino has been a premium wine producer in Spain’s Rioja region for over 160 years, and recently introduced their entry-level Rioja Organic.
Although lacking the power and complexity of a serious Rioja, this compensates by being a pure joy to drink.
Revelling in an array of red and black fruits and a mild spiciness, the Faustino is a silky, light- to medium-bodied wine whose freshness and lively acidity make it ideal with everything from roast chicken to soft cheeses.
It’s very good value at $23.
It won’t get many points for subtlety, but the McGuigan Black Label Red from southeastern Australia is a deliciously gulp-worthy blended red that is velvety smooth, soft in the mouth, and overflowing with flavours of cherry, plum, and cassis.
That and a price tag under $14 explain why this is Australia’s best-selling red wine. Predominantly made from Shiraz, the Black Label is full bodied and mouth filling, offering gobs of sweet fruit lifted with touches of spice and oak culminating in a long finish.
Can’t wait for pizza night!
(All prices include tax.)
