Australian Wine

"Don't judge a book by its cover," or so the old adage goes. After a recent revelation, I'm convinced the same should apply to vino: don't judge a wine by its stereotype.

I learned this thanks in part to a recent blind wine tasting organized by SF Chefs and hosted by Wine Spectator's Gwendolyn Osborn. The panel included some of the country's most esteemed wine experts: wine importer and Master Sommelier Jesse Becker, Master Sommelier and CIA wine instructor Christie Dufault, and A16 wine manager Nico Sciackitano.

I've always said I prefer white over red and Old World wine over New World varieties, but that notion was flipped on its head when I blind-tasted the 2006 Clarendon Hills Grenache ($36). From the minute this brick-red wine stained my wine glass, I had an affinity for it, despite not knowing what it was. I was drawn in by the layers of cherry vanilla, spice, and stewed fruit on the nose, then left mystified by a eucalyptus, cinnamon-like flavor on the palate. And despite the moderate amount of tannin in the wine, it lingered with a silky, acid-forward finish. "It reminds me of Big Red gum," one sommelier declared. He was spot on.

I was convinced the wine was an older Napa Zinfandel, and so were all the sommeliers, so we were shocked to discover this wine was from South Australia. It was just proof that wines never cease to surprise. What was the last wine to shock you?

Photo: Nicole Perry

In addition to obsessing over anything grilled, we've spent the majority of this Summer seriously saluting the kernel. You know what we've discovered? Sure, corn tastes great when topped with crema and cotija cheese, but it tastes even better when paired with the perfect white wine.

One of these wines is Wyndham Estate's Bin 222 Chardonnay. Like a charred cob with a knob of sweet cream, this white is buttery, caramelly, and sweet on the side of the palate; it finishes warm, with hints of hazelnut and cardamom.

I'll be the first to say I'm not a fan of oaked Chardonnays, but this rendition was admittedly pretty easy to drink. Others quickly concurred: "I'm not a fan of the varietal — particularly oaked Chardonnays — but this is actually nice," one taster said. "It's a nice blend of dry and sweet flavors. I really love this," another added. And just about everyone was shocked to learn of the wine's $10 price tag: we were easily willing to pay $20 for a bottle of this!

We're dreaming of enjoying it again very soon on a relaxed night at home, when we're looking for a wine to make the meal but that won't break the bank. Oh — and with some of our grilled corn on the cob, of course.

Photos: Anna Monette Roberts

We're loving Australian wines lately, especially light, sweet whites, so it only makes sense that the Jacob's Creek Sparkling Moscato ($13) would be an instant Summer favorite. The delicate, light flavor reflects the nonvintage bubbly's relatively low alcohol content, but we think this is a good thing, especially for daytime picnics, boat rides, or trips to the beach.

While some sparkling enthusiasts might prefer something stronger with a fermented bite, those just looking to casually pop the cork on a checkered picnic blanket will appreciate the honeysuckle sweetness of this sparkling Moscato. Its zesty, lemon-lime flavors dance with a bubbly effervescence, making it a crisp adult version of Sprite. Smoked salmon, fresh burrata, and crusty baguettes are just a few things we would pair effortlessly with this sublime sparkling Australian wine.