These wines are the everyday heroes, the trustworthy go-to bottles that everyone needs on their wine rack and at the ready in the fridge. They're here to prove that wine doesn't need to be expensive to be interesting, have a story to tell and ultimately hit the spot. These are our top wines for thirty bucks and under. Go.
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MONTE TONDO
SOAVE GARGANEGA 2023
$26.00
Sprung from the gentle hills of Soave, this is Garganega with a savoury edge. Hand-picked on those rich volcanic soils we adore. Almonds and pear, quince and bright lemon sit within a herbal, mineral core. An Italian treat, gesture with both hands.
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CASTELMAURE
'LA BUVETTE' GRENACHE / CARIGNAN NV
$28.00
A luscious but light blend from a 102-year-old co-op in France's Languedoc: a region prized for its herb-scented reds. This bottle lends itself to being chilled down and quaffed liberally, a hero wine to serve alongside French cuisine, or any piled-high plate. Light and refreshing, giving flavours of cassis and strawberries.
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LA VIOLETTA
LOUNGE O SKIN CONTACT
$28.00
Would we call this a rosé? We might, or we'd just call it what it also is; a shot-to-the-heart blend of Gewurtztraminer and skin contact Pinot Gris that does indeed conjure. Pink and pretty, yep. Juicy and vibrant, obviously. AJ Hoadley knows how to coax every iota of flavour out of a grape, and this bursts with blossom, zest and minerals.
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LONGVIEW
FRESCO NEBBIOLO / BARBERA / DOLCETTO / PINOT NERO 2022
$30.00
Chill it down to a respectable ‘Italian red’ temperature and this takes you on a holiday. All cherry and strawberry notes are delivered on a postcard of savoury spice. Herb and liquorice in the frame, and a gentle stamp of tannin. Never coming home and wish you were here.
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WILDMAN
PIGGY POP PET NAT 2023
$30.00
Party wine? Undeniably. This Piggy Pet Nat is a rascal of cherry aromas waiting to roar out of the bottle — glacé cherry, some crunchy pink and others dripping in ruby red juice. On the palate, it's popping with pomegranate, hints of red liquorice, a tickle of herbaceousness and a pinch of salt. Full of personality and a lush fizz, this is a wine we want to get to know.
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ORBIS
DRY RED BLEND 2022
$30.00
The kind of light red we love McLaren Vale for: juicy, vibrant red fruits and freshness for days. A truly addictive mouthfeel from those light, grippy tannins. Floral aromas, and zingy notes of tea tree and cracked pepper. Handpicked fruit, fully de-stemmed and naturally fermented with indigenous yeast, eight months in French Oak. Dreamy.
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CANTINA
ROJO 2022
$28.00
Pucker up– this lighter, fresher Cab Sauv is macerated on skins just two days, creating a fresh expression of the variety that drinks gorgeously at room temp, or brings a surprising refreshment factor when chilled ten minutes. Sour cherries and slight bitterness are rounded by nuttier, savoury notes for a lip-smacking swift sipper.
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POGGIO ANIMA
SICILIA GRILLO 2022
$24.00
Meet a surprisingly soulful character from Poggio Anima, aka ‘Hill of Soul’, on the volcanic isle of Sicily. Made with the Italian Grillo grape, this generous mid-weight white brings an unexpected harmony of tropical fruit and peach, wild blooms and that tantalising volcanic minerality. Spirited and true.
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ITALIAN PLASTIC
CLOUDY CHENIN BLANC 2024
$25.00
There’s sunshine in these bottles. It has all the zesty acidity and juicy pear freshness that a Chenin Blanc promises. Crisp Granny Smith apples and an air of summer grass. Endlessly refreshing, fleetingly delicious.
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ALPHA BOX & DICE
REALISMO PET NAT 2024
$28.00
Alpha Box & Dice have taken Riesling and put a hint of Grenache into this lively fizz. Bottled in the dying stages of primary fermentation, it's brimming with zingy freshness and lovely floral notes while serving out a good dose of tart tones. Clean, fresh and best served as an aperitif. We're welcoming this lively fizz with open arms and plenty of refills.
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