It’s no secret that Australia is home to some of the world’s most loved vineyards, with warm climates, good soil and picturesque growing regions it’s no wonder that Australia is the world’s fifth-largest exporter of wine. We send over 780 million litres of wine overseas (Australia is the fifth largest exporter in the world), consuming 40% of all of the wine produced onshore.
Our growing climates are world-class with wine produced in every state over 60 regions and more than 160,000 hectares. Red wine is grown in the southern, cooler parts of the country like South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.
Here are ten of the top Australian reds.
1. Penfolds Bin 389
Variety: Cabernet Shiraz
Cost: $59.95 - $300
We have to kick of this list with Australia’s most iconic red wine from Australia’s largest winery Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz. It’s the second most cellared wine in Australia, after their Grange wine which is also famous but is more difficult to acquire whereas Bin 389 is more readily available. With a fragrant scent and tasting notes of dark berries and oak, it’s a wine that will last you over 30 years. It compliments beef, poultry and lamb well.
Produced using Biodynamic, carbon-neutral and natural energy methods, Cullen Cabernet Merlot is produced in the Margaret River in Western Australia. It fills your palet a bouquet of flavours including dark fruits, ripe plums, mulberries and leafy notes. It is best served with beef, lamb or pasta.
Family-run vineyard, Hardy’s in McLaren Valley in South Australia has been crafting some of Australia’s favourite wines for over 160 years. They truly are a family-run business with six generations working on the vineyard, most famously Eileen Hardy who was named an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). To date, the 2015 Shiraz has received four medals and one award. It is a great accompaniment to grilled and barbecued meat and vegetables as well as strong hard cheeses like cheddar.
Our list wouldn’t be complete without the infamous Grange. Arguably one of Australia’s most celebrated wines it is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Penfolds has a lengthy drinking period but peak drinking is recommended between 2022 - 2050. With dark coffee notes and dark-skinned berried fruits.
Head Winemaker at Yarra Yering, Sarah Crowe won 2017 Australian winemaker of the year. Sourced from the unirrigated 8-acre block of Shiraz in the Yarra Yering Vineyard the 2013 vintage is one of Yarra Yering’s most popular. With notes of hardy plum fruits and liquorice spices on the nose, it’s no wonder Australians can’t get enough of this delectable drop.
A wildcard and affordably priced wine to add to this list is the Taylors Jaraman Shiraz, it was recognised as the World’s Most Awarded Wine in 2017. Sourced from the Clare Valley and McLaren Vale regions in South Australia it brings the best of both worlds.
Taylor Jaraman Shiraz, $24.95
7. Oakridge Hazeldene Block 1 Pinot Nior
Variety: Pinot Niot
Cost: $34.99
Grown in the beautiful Yarra Valley the Hazeldene Block 1 Pinot Nior won bronze in 2016 at the Yarra Valley Wine show. Grown and produced in Victoria it is a light bodied wine that is best served with beef, lamb or pasta and has flavour notes of macerated cherries, cranberry and blueberry fruits.
Oakridge Hazeldene Block 1 Pinot Nior $34.99
8. Andrew Thomas Kiss Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Cost: $45
Specialising in Semillon and Shiraz in NSW’s Hunter Valley Andrew Thomas Wines is not to be missed on our extensive list. The Dam Block Shiraz is grown adjacent to the old vine Kiss Shiraz. Winning gold at the 2018 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show this medium bodied wine has savoury tannins which extend the length and breadth of the wine.
Andrew Thomas Wines Shiraz, 2018, $45
9. Wynns Coonawarra Estate
Variety: John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Cost: $135
The John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine of the Wynns Coonawarra Estate made in only small quantities each year. With a very deep red colour and a dominating oak scent on the nose, it has lots of tannins and requires lengthy cellar time. This one is best to leave for at least five years.
John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon, $135
10. Seppeltsfield Para 100-year-old vintage tawny 1919
Variety: Port
Cost: $700
Saving the best until last is Seppeltsfield vineyards, 100-year-old vintage tawny. A 100ml taste will set you back $700. The Seppeltsfield Centennial Collection is the world’s only unbroken lineage of single vintage wines, continuing for over 130 consecutive years dating back to 1878. It has received a perfect 100/100 in the James Halliday Wine Companion.
Seppeltsfield Para 100-year-old vintage tawny 1919, $700
Lottie DalzielLottie Dalziel is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who lives and breathes the Better Homes and Gardens brand. When she isn't reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything, you can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.
