I recently read an article complaining about the lack of quality in low priced Australia Chardonnays. Curious, I called Dave Malone, the wine consultant at our Tallahassee (Thomasville Road) store to see what he had to say. Because Australian wines are really approachable, he sells a lot of them, especially to people who are just starting to explore wines.

 

While the popularity of Australian wines has suffered some over recent years, consumers should not lose sight of several producers who continue to excel in these tough conditions.  Just because Australian wine isn’t the “hot category” does not mean there are not several great values to be had below the $20 price point.  What I try to remind our guests is that the Australians have a style all their own: big, flamboyant, fruit-driven reds that are off the hedonistic richter scale, and that may not be to everyone’s taste.  If this sounds like your style of wine, however, then I invite you to revisit the wines of Australia. 

 

There are two importers I tell guests to look for: Southern Starz and the Grateful Palate.  Both specialize in Australian wines, and have a knack for picking out some of the best for the money.  From these two groups, you’ll find wines from producers such as Nugan Family, Kurtz, Marquis Philips, R Wines, Waterwheel (one of my favorites) and Craneford.  Aside from a few outliers, the majority of the wines from these guys sell for well under $20/bottle.  Stick to the Shiraz and Shiraz blends, and it’s hard to go wrong for the money with any of these producers.