There’s a reason why Italian food and wine go well together – the combination of herbs, spices and sauces paired with smooth, full-bodied reds or aged, tangy whites creates a dining experience that’s hard to beat.
As we enjoy all things Italiano this week, here are five robust red wines to pair with your favourite Italian meal:
Try the Cabernet Shiraz 2015
Barham Vines on Riverview Drive in Barham was born from the love of wine and a passion for sharing wine and food with family and friends. This stunning, small-batch vineyard is set in picturesque untouched natural bush, snuggled amongst vines and river redgums, perfect for relaxing with a glass of red that's good for the soul; while the funked-up shipping container cellar door is a cracking spot to gather with mates to eat and drink together.
Cabernet Shiraz 2015 is from the very first harvest and the blend shows a lovely array of rich red forest floor fruit on the nose which flows through with blueberry, cassis and a hint of toasted oak on the palate; pair this red with a pulled lamb pizza, red onion, capsicum, fior di latte, goats’ cheese, fresh rocket and garlic sauce at the cellar door.
Oldest Vineyard on East Coast of Tassie
Head to the oldest vineyard on the East Coast of Tasmania, Craigie Knowe on Glen Gala Road in Cranbrook, for wine and a cellar door experience to remember. This family-owned and operated cellar door and vineyard is managed by father and son team Glenn and Alex Travers, producing drops like Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sparkling Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Perhaps sample the White Label Cabernet Merlot 2021, easy drinking this wine will cellar for 8-10 years and has a beautiful dark crimson colour and aromas of red and black forest fruits; head to the restaurant and sip this drop with a medium rare hanger steak, with caramelised onion, purée, red wine and sherry reduction.
Cool-climate Sparkling Wines
Proud producer of Pet Nat and Sparkling Shiraz wines, Red Poppy Estate on Kerrie Road in Romsey is a small family winery adhering to principles of quality winemaking. Situated in the Macedon Ranges, the vineyard produces cool-climate sparkling wines using regenerative principles as well as organic and biodynamic practices.
Perhaps try a signature Petillant Natural which offers a unique taste of the place where the grapes were grown; or pair a glass of Heathcote Sparkling Shiraz – with deep purple colour and notes of cherry, plum, red currant and blueberry – with a meat lovers’ pizza topped with Sopressa, ham, chorizo, red onion, mozzarella and bocconcini.
Good Food, Wine and Magic Views
Nestled in the beauty of the Scenic Rim, good food and wine, magic views, peace and quiet await at Sarabah Estate on Rymera Road in Canungra. Set on 50 acres with just on 10 under grapes, this hidden gem boasts not only a cellar door, but also Chalet Bistro for dining among the lush vines and the Smoke & Vine Bar for pizza and a glass of estate organic Shiraz.
Experience a weekend adventure with family and friends, visit the alpacas and vegetable garden; before heading indoors to sample drops like the 2020 Merlot with ripe raspberry and cherry flavours on the palate; while good acidity gives wonderful length and tannins paired with spice surprise and delight the senses while inducing a dulcet finish.
Abundance of Bird and Wildlife
Find a surprise package nestled on the edge of Wombat State Forest at Wombat Forest Vineyard and Winery on Springhill Road in Denver. Just 15 minutes from Daylesford, this family-owned and operated vineyard blends seamlessly into the natural environment with an abundance of native bird and wildlife on the doorstep.
Using sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, expect to sample cool climate boutique wines along with seasonal platters of local produce at the cellar door; perhaps enjoy a glass of 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon or 2020 Pinot Noir while taking in extensive valley and forest views from a variety of outdoor and indoor spaces.
