As we settle into autumn, cooler nights are rolling in and our thoughts are turning to winter warmers; delicious slow-cooked meals, wood-burning stoves, and a glass of nice wine.
We’re sharing our top five winter warmer wines, perfect for snuggling up with on a Saturday night at home.
Moombaki 2016 Malbec
Malbec originated in southwest France but built its reputation as being the red grape of Argentina. Malbec is a relative newcomer to Australia and has really started to make a name for itself. Moombaki is one of a few producers in the Great Southern that grow it and they’ve just released their 2016 vintage. The hand-picked fruit was matured for 30 months in fine-grained French oak barriques and bottled using minimal filtration. The result is exquisite. Buy at least a couple of bottles if you can –to enjoy now and to cellar – this wine will develop over the next 10 to 15 years. Run don’t walk, this is a limited edition with only 1,200 hand-numbered bottles produced.
Xabregas Estate 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely known grape varietals in the world. It first arrived in Australia in 1824 and quickly became one of our greatest reds, adored by many Aussies. This varietal produces a wine with a big personality – it is layered, complex and decadent. The 2017 Xabregas Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. It is bold and dry with a fine tannin structure that gives the wine a tender taste.
Swinney 2018 Grenache
Grenache is trending and Australian winemakers have developed some extraordinarily complex wines using this old varietal. In the Great Southern a handful of wineries are really focusing on this varietal. The Swinney 2018 Grenache is medium-bodied with a very fresh and vibrant bouquet. It is a delicious modern style red wine that is upfront and very approachable. The seductive aromas of cinnamon and rich dark fruit make it a wonderful wine to be enjoyed on a cold night by the fire.
Jingalla 2018 Riesling
It may sound like a bonkers suggestion, but sometimes a crisp, cold Riesling is just the thing to brighten up the chilliest of days. It is the acidity that tingles in your mouth, leaving a clean and refreshing taste only a Riesling from the Great Southern can provide. Be seduced by the crisp, lingering lime finish with inviting floral, citrus, and passionfruit aromas that the Jingalla 2018 Riesling has in addition to an intense palate of green apple and tropical fruits.
Galafrey 2017 Cabernet Franc
The lesser-known Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, is the parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This varietal produces complex, robust, and good quality wines with a diversity of tastes depending on where it is grown. The 2017 Galafrey Cabernet Franc is a lovely wine, perfectly paired with a good book and a crackling fire.