Two more modern classics from Down Under this week, with a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and a Shiraz from Australia, both from Aldi. Sauvignon originated in the Loire Valley, where it is used to make Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, among other wines. Shiraz, aka Syrah, is from the Northern Rhône, where it provides grapes for Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. Both have found a very happy home in the southern hemisphere, where they are responsible for some very high-quality wines.
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Specially Selected Freeman's Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020, €9.49
Fresh and aromatic, with textured mango, peach and zesty lime fruits. Sip this on its own or alongside salads, aromatic prawn curries or pasta with feta cheese.
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Specially Selected Kooliburra Bin 20 Shiraz 2019, South Australia, €7.99
Ripe, rich and rounded, with smooth dark fruits and hints of chocolate. Try this with a warming winter beef stew or barbecued rib-eye steak.