Judges of
drinks trade and
drinks bulletin’s Tasting Bench, recently reviewed the top ‘alternative red’ wines available in Australia. From tempranillo to sangiovese, these wines showcase how winemakers in Australia are developing and working with varietals not necessarily native to here, as well as the skill and expertise of winemakers across the world, either experimenting in their own right or showcasing their knowledge of their home grapes.
The Top 20 alternative red wines featured here, were selected from a tasting of 70. Judges included James Somerset from ALM, Anna Mantchakidi and Angela Pursey from Taylors Wines, Travis Fuller from Accolade Wines, Istvan Darazs, Angelica Nohra and Scott Wilson from Star Beverages and wine industry consultant, Michael Hatcher.
Calabria Private Bin Aglianico
Region: Riverina
RRP: $14.95
Distributor: Calabria Family Wines
Sour cherry notes, spice and soft, dusty tannins. Good length and value for money.
Altacena Tempranillo 2014
Region: Spain
RRP: $14.99
Distributor: Fourth Wave Wine Partners
Great quality. Black fruit and savoury minerality. Peppery finish.
Woods Crampton Sleeping Dogs 2014
Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: 24.99
Distributor: Fourth Wave Wine Partners
Ripe, fresh, juicy and oaky. Everything Australians love.
Snake & Herring Vamos Tempranillo 2014
Region: Frankland River, Margaret River & Western Australia
RRP: $26
Distributor: red+white
Dark, plush red fruits. Plenty of tannin!
Dal Zotto Barbera 2014
Region: King Valley
RRP: $26
Distributor: red+white
Rustic oaky, tobacco, rose and violet notes. Good length and expressive. Interesting wine.
Moppity Vineyards Lock & Key Reserve Tempranillo 2014
Region: Hilltops
RRP: $27
Distributor: Renegade Wines
A fantastic expression of tempranillo. Vibrant, balanced and good fruit persistence.
Moppity Vineyards Lock & Key Reserve Tempranillo 2015
Region: Hilltops
RRP: $27
Distributor: Renegade Wines
Juicy, crunchy, bright red fruits and soft tannin. For those who like a little sweetness in their red wine!
RockBare Tempranillo 2014
Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $28
Distributor: red+white
Rustic and old school. Full of dark berries. Structure of the oak and tannin will see it age gracefully.
Sensi Mandriano Maremma Toscana Rosso 2013
Region: Italy
RRP: $29.99
Distributor: Star Beverages
Nice depth of dark berry characters. Excellent food wine.
Sensi Mantello Sangiovese-Shiraz Toscana 2013
Region: Italy
RRP: $34.95
Distributor: Star Beverages
The best wine I’ve tasted. For the price it is a steal. Great oak. Deliciousness all round!
Brokenwood Tempranillo 2015
Region: Beechworth
RRP: $35
Distributor: Samuel Smith & Son
Different, elegant, almost gamay in style. Good structure and finish. Easy drinking.
Brokenwood Sangiovese 2014
Region: Beechworth
RRP: $35
Distributor: Samuel Smith & Son
Excellent example of New World sangiovese. Cherries, high tannin and crisp acid.
Bleasdale Vineyards Generations Malbec 2014
Region: Langhorne Creek
RRP: $35
Distributor: Negociants Australia
Excellent example of malbec. Black fruit, coffee, cacao and violets.
Sensi Pretorio Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2014
Region: Italy
RRP: $39
Distributor: Star Beverages
Complex and interesting. Good food wine. Drink now!
Grant Burge The Holy Trinity 2012
Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $42.99
Distributor: Accolade Wines
Elegant, soft fruit and lovely length. Definitely worth the price.
Mount Avoca Limited Release Sangiovese 2015
Region: Pyrenees
RRP: $43.75
Distributor: Mount Avoca
Dark, brooding toasty oak and spice. Really unusual wine. Excellent.
Sensi Sabbiato Bolgheri 2013
Region: Italy
RRP: $44.99
Distributor: Star Beverages
Light, medium-bodied wine. Fantastic tannins and length. Very earthy with great fruit flavour.
Beresford Estate Grenache 2014
Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $50
Distributor: Vok Beverages
Plush, sweet red fruits. Delicate, poised and pretty.
Houghton CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec 2012
Region: Great Southern
RRP: $68.98
Distributor: Accolade Wines
Dark chocolate, leather and toasty oak. Big, bold and integrated tannins. Great food wine.
Taylors Winemaker’s Project Montepulciano 2014
Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $25
Distributor: Taylors Wines
A really fruity monte! Great savoury chocolate note. Soft and elegant.
(Available to the on-premise also)