Summertime social sips
As summer arrives and social invitations intensify, our lifestyle editor Laura Jackel shares the wines she’ll be sharing with friends this season.
First Creek Non Vintage Bontanica Brut Cuvee
The pop of a cork symbolises the start of any great celebration, and First Creek’s delicious sparkling white is an absolute party in a bottle. Made with 70 % Chardonnay and 30% Semillon, this sparkling blend goes beautifully with chilled oysters.
$20 I firstcreekwines.com.au
Boydells NV Bessie Sparkling Red
Keep the celebratory feels coming but add a twist with this refreshing sparkling red. A mostly Merlot blend with a dash of Shiraz, this unique drop has a touch of sweetness and a crisp finish. Perfect when matched with a festive roast turkey or baked ham.
$32 I boydells.com.au
De Iuliis 2024 Estate Rosé
There is something about a chilled rosé that just screams ‘summer lunch with friends’, and this award-winning dry rosé is perfect for sharing over a delicious seafood feast. Pale blush in colour, its aromatics of strawberries and cream coupled with a natural acidity keep it light bodied, fresh and vibrant.
$28 I dewine.com.au
Tulloch Range 2024 Verdelho
This Hunter Valley classic is the perfect crowd pleaser at any festive social gathering. The tropical fruit flavours match perfectly with Asian inspired flavours or seafood dishes. Serve chilled to drink now or cellar for up to three years for your future enjoyment.
$17 I tullochwines.com
Glandore DPJ 2022 Chardonnay
Chardonnay is always a good idea, and this big-bodied award winning drop is full of flavour and ready for sharing. The palate is soft and seamless, finished with stone fruit characteristics. Its full flavour needs dishes that match so think chicken risotto or Roquefort blue cheese.
$59 I glandorewines.com
Margan 2023 ‘Fordwich Hill’ Shiraz
Every summer catch up needs a good red wine option and this smooth medium bodied shiraz is a very good one indeed. The small vineyard gets the morning sun, showing more blue fruit characteristics and it’s bright and natural acidity will get even better with age – if you can bear to cellar it. Enjoy a glass with a wagyu steak and fries.
$60 I margan.com.au
Lisa McGuigan 2018 Botrytis Semillon
Festive summer lunches are incomplete without a sweet treat and a dessert wine. This light golden botrytis has an aroma of ripe apricots and marmalade followed up with slight citrus notes. A perfect match with a cheese plate or a summery citrus tart.
$30 I vampwinerooms.com.au
Discover more in the Summer Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.
Story by Laura Jackel
