Solaris Picardy Bird in Hand Carlos Serres Mazza Best Wine Deals

A meditation on all things red that aren't Shiraz or Cab. We've got Touriga, Grenache, Tempranillo, Mataro, Montepulciano, Negroamaro and Aglianico happening here, and a smidge of Shiraz in the Kilikanoon GSM and the Purple Hands GSM. All things alt red, all offering a very different pathway to pleasure than straight Shiraz and Cabernet. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

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!