16LOVEFOODIrish Independent

Autumn 2009

Taltarni T Series Victoria Shiraz 2006,€12.99

This Shiraz punches well above its weightin terms of quality. Matured for 12 monthsin a combination of French and Americanoak, it can be enjoyed young or keptcomfortably for four or five years.

David says: This is a beautiful wine from thecooler climate of Victoria. It has a real depth ofcolour; it’s rich and multifaceted on the nose.Mulberry fruit character with lovely spices andhints of oak. A great food wine too.

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We sample supermarket wines from Australia with wine expert David Whelehan

Australia produces some of themost popular wines in theworld, with regions like theBarossa Valley known for deep,rich Shiraz and Australian

Chardonnay also being a big seller.Shiraz is the classic red grape variety of

Australia. “With Shiraz you’re looking forlovely spicy red and black fruit aromas,maybe hints of liquorice, with a little bit ofevolution so you maybe get more leatherand more spice character coming throughas well,” says wine expert David Whelehan.

Australian Chardonnay is often simplycheap and cheerful, offering value belowthe €10 mark.

Australia also provides good climates forgrape varieties that are less well-knownhere, such as Sémillon, for which the

Hunter Valley is notable, and Grenache.Grenache is one of the grape types used inChâteauneuf-du-Pape – it’s blended withother varieties to make many wines –though “it’s quite unusual to make winefrom it individually”, David explains.

With strong New World contenders likeChile and Argentina offering terrific valueat less than €10 – and a resurgence in greatvalue wines from countries like Spain –cheaper Australian wines are being given arun for their money in terms of the qualityavailable for the price you’re paying, Davidtells us.

Nevertheless, we managed to gather aselection of highly drinkable, fantastic valueAustralian reds and whites, readily availablefrom your local supermarket. Enjoy!

Aldi

Lidl Marks & Spencer Superquinn O’Briens

Bushland Reserve Chardonnay 2008, €7.19

Aldi’s Bushland range is a selection of reds,whites and rosés available in their 67 storesnationwide. Produced in the renownedvineyards of the Hunter Valley, north ofSydney, this Chardonnay can be servedimmediately or kept for up to three years.

David says: Tinned pineapple character –ripe, sweet fruit, a little bit of peach, a nicefreshness. A little bitterness on the finish. It’llgo well with food; lightly chilled it’s going to beperfect for a night in with friends. Not a veryserious wine, just a pleasurable wine.

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Cimarosa Shiraz 2008, €5.49

Shiraz is the most-loved Australian grapevariety and this wine hails from thesoutheast of the country, where wineproduction dates back to the end of the 18th century.

David says: This is a straightforward easy-drinking Shiraz with ripe black fruit character,hints of spice and a deep red colour.

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M&S Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2008,€12.49

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’sbest-known and well-established wineregions, producing wines with ripe, fruityand powerful flavours. This wine is 100 percent Hunter Valley Chardonnay, aged inFrench oak barrels for six months.

David says: This is an impressive wine. It’sgot a nice refreshing acidity. It’s not heavy, ithas a degree of elegance about it. Freshpineapple fruit character – it’s quite zesty,quite rounded on the palate. Delicious.

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Peter Lehmann Barossa Grenache 2005,€8.55

Peter Lehmann is one of the masterwinemakers of Australia’s famous Barossa.This wine is unwooded to bring out the berryflavours and is ideally served with lighterfoods such as pasta, pizza or even fish.

David says: Grenache never has deep colours;it has typically soft red fruit character. This is aclassic wine – very plummy. It’s rich, juicy andvelvety. This is for when it’s slightly coldoutside and you’re sitting in at the fire.

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Australian Winesaround a tenner