Solaris Picardy Bird in Hand Carlos Serres Cantine Vitevis Ca’ Botta Rusty Mutt 2022 Best Wine Deals

Most Aussie red drinkers know our Shiraz can be big, bold and packed with flavour. You could argue that these are the biggest reds on the planet. But that would be discounting Italian reds — especially those from the Amarone-producing region of Valpolicella — which can be just as powerful. The secret? Traditional techniques like air-drying grapes pre-ferment to intensify richness and structure. Source them from a high altitude grower who yields his vineyard low, air dries the fruit for an extended period and ferments to maximise extraction, and you've got yourself a bruising rivalry!

In this 6-pack, we’ve matched three massive, low yield, air dried reds from Ca' Botta with three bold Aussie reds, including the opulent Yaldara Grand Shiraz and full-bodied Angas King Reserve. It's a side-by-side look at what happens when both hemispheres go big — in flavour, structure and style.

Three grapes. Three countries. One killer 6-pack.

Australia is now making some of the best Grenache on the planet. The Lienert's Sieben Klon is made from 8 distinct clones. It is fragrant, medium bodied and delicious. Dandelion's Faraway Tree is sourced from the Firehawk Farm vineyard in McLaren Vale- perhaps the greatest region for Grenache on the planet. Chianti remains the spiritual home of Sangiovese, and Bartali one of its most excellent producers. Rioja sets the gold standard for Tempranillo. Carlos Serres are one of only 2 Rioja producers who have been at it for over a century - with old vines, incredible fruit density and an ability to consistently punch out ripping Temps. This magical six-pack spans the globe, yet will set you back just $180.

Whether you’re a Grenache fiend, a sucker for Sangiovese, or just want to see how Rioja stacks up, this is a rare chance to taste six benchmark wines side by side — no airfare required.

A premium alternatives pack which we think is a bit of a no-brainer. We kick off with the following four Aussie alternatives. After Five's 5 trophy winning Barossa Montepulciano, which is as good a Monte we have ever seen. From Kilikanoon, their stunning, $96, 96 point, flagship Grenache. Artis brings us a magnificently perfumed Nero and Songlines, an old vine, 100% whole bunch Barossa Grenache. Then we have a Riserva Chianti from the low yielding and fabulous 2020 vintage, and a densely powerful Rioja, made by one of just 2 producers who are more than a century old. These are all excellent and we've no doubt you'll have as much fun with them as we do..

6 magical Chardies here. Evan's and Tate Redbrook, which picked up gold at the Adelaide Show, is creamy and complexed with stunning French oak. The Hirsch Hill is this Yarra winery's Flagship Chardy - with powerful fruit and assertive acidity, it will cellar well. The Picardy is one of the best Chardonnays made in Oz. Made entirely from clones imported from Burgundy, it offers complexity, depth and class. We can comfortable recommend all of these for your consideration!

We love McLaren Vale here at winedirect.com.au. These reds have soul – rich, fruit-driven and generous – drinking beautifully from the first glass to the last.

They’re relaxed enough to lift a pizza after mid-week sport, but easily classy enough to eyeball a fillet steak on Friday night.

This pack brings together six absolute beauties, including Oliver’s Taranga Shiraz 2022 – from a Halliday 5 Red Star winery and Grange grower, this is pure McLaren power with polish to spare. There's Pasha Shiraz 2021 – A 97-point, $100-a-bottle stunner that balances opulence and finesse in one hell of a package. From Dowie Doole, their flagship Architect Cabernet Sauvignon, a 96-pointer and, in our view, one of the best Cabs coming out of the Vale right now. Dandelion Vineyards 'Treasure Trove' Grenache 2019 – vibrant, silken, and wildly aromatic. Staff orders are full of this stuff – and for good reason. And if that's not quite enough, and to be fair 'cos there are 12 slots in the box, Showblock's ‘Rosie’ Red 2019 – A bold, full-throttle blend that’s rich, ripe, and ready to go. Big wine, big flavour, big fun.