Often overlooked, Southern Hemisphere wines are worth consumer attention, especially from those of you looking for value … and isn’t that everyone! There are some mass production brands but my recent tastings focused on quality wines at still reasonable prices.
Although Australian wine has been struggling in the U.S. market lately (compared to the days when easy drinking volume brands dominated), there are still many fine wines, notably Shiraz, Australia’s signature red wine. The Shiraz wines below deliver solid value and fine quality.
Mount Langi Ghiran in the cool climate Grampians region of Victoria has been home to vines since the late 1800s. The succulent, lightly spicy 2021 Billi Billi ($15) is a fine everyday choice. The vibrant, firm 2021 Cliff Edge ($24) ups the flavor interest with deeper fruit and spice. From the 170-year-old Hardy’s, its 2019 “Tintara” Reserve ($25) from McLaren Vale is delightfully lush, structured and flavorful.
New Zealand wine has exploded in popularity in the U.S. in recent years. Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are world class. But it is its Sauvignon Blanc that is most popular. I tasted several reasons why.
Loveblock, founded by Erica and Kim Crawford in the Marlborough region, sustainably and organically farms some of the best. Notably, the juicy lemon, green apple and grapefruit of the 2022 ($32) and the brisk acidity, herbal notes, and yellow fruits of the 2022 “tee” ($34), which is made without added sulfur (a commonly added preservative), instead using green tea extract.
Over sixty years old Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s most awarded wineries. It’s certified sustainably grown wines are uniformly stellar. The crisp, fruity 2022 Private Bin ($17); the bright, fresh organic 2021 Earth Garden ($22); the intense, penetrating, complex 2021 Reserve Wairu Valley ($25).
South Africa also is coming on strong in the wine world. Although grapes have been grown there for 366 years, it is only within the last 30 that South African wine has emerged in international markets. That isn’t surprising with wineries like Chardonnay specialist Capsensis. Its 2021 “Silene” ($40), from the Stellenbosch region (350-year history of grape growing), impresses with citrus and stone fruit and a nice oak and baking spice balance.
Similarly, L’Avenir, whose property dates to the 1600’s, specializes in Chenin Blanc, South Africa’s signature white wine, and Pinotage, its signature red wine. Its complex, generous 2017 “Single Block” Pinotage ($54) is an impressive selection of the finest barrels from its respected Shale Block 2 vineyard yielding deep dark and red fruits, dried herbs, and sweet spiciness.
Finally, Bosman, one of South Africa’s oldest wineries, succeeded with the 2019 “Adama” ($22), a unique blend of shiraz, mourvedre, cinsault, grenache noir, primitivo, and nero d’avola! The winery also is notable for its regenerative practices and employee land ownership program.