Early in our development as a still wine producing country, we may have suffered from a bit of an inferiority complex.
\nShiraz and Cabernet were the mainstay for reds. Always built with plenty of extraction and oak ready to stand the test of time. Yet most wine is purchased and consumed within 24 hours.
\nIt has been a slow process to introduce more varieties that are well suited to our climate and that can be produced at a cost that makes them a viable option for wine drinkers to enjoy without breaking the bank. Of course, we\u2019re only a few hundred years behind the old world on that front. Countries such as Italy and Spain literally have thousands of different grape varieties. Most are grown in small regions, and most of the production is consumed locally too. There are no grand ambitions to make the next Grange or to charge hundreds of dollars per bottle.
\nThey often have simple lifestyles working their land, producing enough wine to make a living and enjoy for themselves over the next year until they do it all again. The grapes they grow are not always noble, the wines they produce are not always “great”. But they are accurate examples of the varieties, modestly priced and ready to drink early on with good, simple dishes.
\nYou may have seen and bought Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Montepulciano, but they barely scratch the surface. I can\u2019t delve into every variety, but I can suggest two which are able to produce delicious medium to full-bodied styles, that provide a novel change to the same old Shiraz or Cabernet, match well with hearty winter dishes and can be found at very reasonable prices.<\/p>\n