Winter is coming, and with the longer nights means more opportunities to drink at home with loved ones or friends. The Plus Ones were invited to our second wine extravaganza hosted by Andrew Caillard, one of the few Masters of Wine in the country. There are few people who know more about value for money — which is pertinent, since he works in conjunction with BWS and Dan Murphy’s.
Below, Master of Wine Andrew Caillard gives us his thinking behind the top 10 wines available for $10 or less.
“When choosing a wine, it is always a great idea to think about the food and the person you are drinking it with. Wine is often the shared experience and hence matching food with people can be a lot more satisfying than matching it with food! The crisp and juicy KOA Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, from Margaret River, is a perfect wine to enjoy with friends. Its price point of $7.00 also makes it one of the best secrets in the market right now.
The best examples are almost always those that have cut out the middleman or are directly imported — which allows the customer to enjoy a huge advantage of a shorter distribution system and effectively is paying less for more.
The full-bodied and exceptionally flavourful Rabo di Galo is a great example where our sourcing team have identified parcels of wine and brought in exclusively. Margaret River’s KOA Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is another example where a direct relationship with the grower allows us to bottle the wine at a low price without compromising quality.’’
Andrew has delved through the extensive offerings at Dan Murphy’s and BWS, and kindly chosen his top 10 for The Plus Ones’ readers.
10 Wines Under $10:
- Minchinbury Crisp Classic Brut (RRP $10.00) Available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s
A sparkling body and palate of citrus notes ensures a vibrant flavour and incredibly refreshing finish. - In Top Company Rosé (RRP $10.00) Available at BWS
Fresh and crisp with strawberry and watermelon fruit flavours – enjoy this Rose for its flavour and refreshing finish. Best served chilled and perfectly shared in the top company of family and friends! - KOA Margaret River Semillion Sauvignon Blanc (RRP $7.00) Available at BWS
This fresh, easy to drink SSB from Koa is pale straw in colour with green tints. Tropical green fruits on the nose with lifted citrus aromas. The citrus fruit taste makes this wine perfect on warm days to enjoy with friends. - Rabo De Galo (RRP $9.99) Available at Dan Murphy’s
This award-winning wine, from award-winning producer Casa Santos Lima, comes from the Portuguese region of Lisboa (Lisbon), characterised by its sunny slopes and proximity to the ocean. It is a full-bodied, fruit-rich and smooth wine, made from a classic blend of Portugal’s most famous grapes – Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Trincadeira. - JP Chenet Sauvignon Blanc (RRP $10.00) Available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s
JP Chenet’s Sauvignon Blanc from the south west of France brings a little European flavour to the table this summer. It’s understated style, subtle herb undertones and an elegant finish results in a sure fire crowd pleaser without breaking the bank. - Queen Snapper Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (RRP $6.99) Available at Dan Murphy’s
Queen Snapper Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is a true reflection of classic Margaret River style with elements of subtle citrus notes and fresh, vibrant tropical fruit flavours. - Colonel & The Merchant Rose (RRP $9.99) Available at BWS
It is true to style displaying fresh fruit driven aromas of strawberry and red cherry, which linger on the palate leaving a dry finish. - Colonel & The Merchant Langhorne Creek Shiraz Cabernet (RRP $9.99) Available at BWS
Intense dark berry fruit aromas, plum and blackcurrant with notes of dried herb leaf and choc mint. Round and seamless, with fleshy, dark berry fruits and some savoury notes, fine-grained velvety tannins and integrated oak provide length of palate. - Koa Prosecco (RRP $7.00) Available at BWS
This delightful wine leaves the palate with a glistening crisp apple acidity finishing with hints of fleshy pear notes. A perfect wine that can be enjoyed at any occasion. - Loxwood Lane Pinot Noir (RRP $6.99) Available at Dan Murphy’s
This medium-bodied wine has flavours of spice, cherries and plums balanced with fine lingering tannins.
The Colonel and The Merchant Rose has just been reviewed by Sam Kim and he has given it 92 points.
His commentary: “The wine is instantly appealing on the nose showing raspberry, watermelon, apple and ripe stone fruit characters, leading to a vibrant palate that is juicy and youthfully charming. It is bright and succulent with pristine fruit flavours, finishing long and attractively dry.”
You really can’t go wrong with any of these bottles — so my advice is to work your way through the list with your friends over the coming months. Let us know your favourites!
– Theresa
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa is a huge fan of the Gerard Betrand Côtes de Roses Rosé, which Andrew Caillard previously recommended.
To purchase one of these fantastic wines, visit your nearest BWS or Dan Murphy’s.
