From rosé to sauvignon blanc, riesling and shiraz – sip your way through springtime with our spring wine guide!
Spring has sprung upon us! And with that comes a juicy selection of spring-themed wines from Australia’s finest winemakers.
As the trees flutter and the flowers blossom, so too does Australian wine. Despite the questionable weather we’ve been experiencing as of late, it’s safe to say that thankfully there are glassfuls or new wines to drink this spring spring.
The following Australian made wines in our spring guide are the perfect accompaniment to the season. Many are some of our favourite spring wine varietals, award-winning and, of course, all are delightful and truly sensational in their own way.
To get you wine-ready for the season, sip your way through our guide to the best Australian made wines for spring 2022!
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Best's Great Western 2021 Foudre Ferment Riesling
Although we’ve placed this wine on our list of what to drink this season, it’s practically sold out everywhere and for a good reason. Let us formally introduce the Wine of the Year as appointed by the Halliday Wine Companion 2023 awards. This humble Victorian winery has been around for quite some time – since 1866 to be exact. The 2021 Foudre Ferment Riesling features layered aromas of honeydew, apricot blossom, citrus rind and almond meal. With flavours of lemon curd and lime pith, this wine is definitely worth savouring. Best paired with steamed barramundi, Great Western recommend to either drink it now or cellar until 2042.
Image via First Choice Liquor website.
Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz
Our spring wine guide would not be complete without Grant Burge. And, of course, this springtime the Filsell Shiraz is at the top of our list. If dark chocolate, mocha, plum and caramel get you excited, then this is a drop for you. Sourced from the Barossa Valley, the Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz includes notes of sweet spice and cacao nib with layers of vanilla. Firm but equally fine, this red wine picked out for spring carries textures of liqourice, black spice and even juniper. Pair this intense red wine with a hard cheese or a dark chocolate from our Essential Guide to the Best Wine and Chocolate Pairings.
Image via Mitchelton website.
Mitchelton Heathcote Shiraz 2020
Just a 45-minute drive out of Melbourne’s CBD will land you at the Mitchelton Winery. On top of being titled as 2022’s best Boutique Style Accommodation of the Year, Mitchelton is also renowned for their fine wines – which is why their Heathcote Shiraz 2020 has made our list for the best wines for springtime sipping. Perfect for drinking now or cellaring up until 2030, this drop is youthful and equally intense. With a nose of red berry notes and pepper spice, on the mouth wine lovers will find a soft oak with hints of Christmas pudding and fine tannins. More than just a tasteful sip, the Mitchelton Heathcote Shiraz 2020 also features a jacket showcasing Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi’s work.
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MMAD Vineyard Blewitt Springs 2021 Grenache
When old vines, a 18 hectare site, mild ripening conditions and four co-owners come together you get three single vineyard wines that are well worth trying in 2022. However, more notably, the Blewitt Springs 2021 Grenache is at the top of our list for the best wines to drink this spring 2022. Featuring an intense core of red and blue fruit, the 2021 Grenache is easily described as pure, dense and light. Highlighting the energy of the fruit, wine lovers will find notes of raspberry coulis, pomegranate, fennel seed and cumin. With grapes that were destemmed and fermented as whole berries in open concrete and stainless steel vats, this is definitely one of the bets light red wines for spring.
Image via First Choice Liquor website.
Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon 2014
Hailing from New South Wales Hunter Valley region is the Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon 2014 vintage. Developed by winemaker Phil Ryan, this light-bodied dry white wine encapsulates toasty lemon flavours. A light yellow hue in colour, upon opening drinkers will be charmed by the pristine bouquet with subtle notes of candle wax and lemon pith. With a long finish and surprising mellow balance on the palate, the Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon 2014 is perfect for long term cellaring.
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Nepenthe Elevation Sauvignon Blanc
There’s no denying that spring wines from Australia just hit differently, and Nepenthe’s Elevation Sauvignon Blanc is no exception. Thanks to Adelaide Hills’ mild and dry 2021 growing season, Nepenthe’s fruit was able to ripen slowly ensuring that the grape acts to its full potential. Selected from cooler high altitude regions, the clarified juice was then fermented in cool stainless steels tanks to retain the original fruity aromas. Featuring a balance of tropical passionfruit, grapefruit and nettle, drinkers will find a intense yet elegant palate with a zesty citrus finish. Enjoy now with a range of seafood including oysters, salt and pepper squid and lobster.
Image via First Choice Liquor website.
Peter Drayton Wildstreak Sparkling Semillon Chardonnay
It’s springtime! To celebrate the season, we’re popping open this Sparkling Semillon Chardonnay by Peter Drayton. Wildstreak, a 2020 vintage, celebrates the winemaker, a fifth generation descendant of Drayton’s famed line of wine pioneers. Of course, sticking to the adventurous vision of Drayton’s forefathers, Peter has used Wildstreak as his distinction. With aromas of peach, nectarine and creamy fruits, on the nose you’ll find lemon, lime and honeydew. Like any celebration, we recommend pairing this Sparkling Semillon Chardonnay with a cheese and antipasto platter.
Image via First Choice Liquor website.
Pikes Wines Traditionale Riesling
For 36 years, Pikes Wines in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia have been producing this exceptional Traditionale Riesling. And, in 2020, it was given the accolade it deserves with 96 points and a gold medal at Halliday Wine Companion. Expect a citrusy aroma, wafting with fresh lime, with a palate that emboldens the nose thanks to the various other citrusy flavours – a delightful addition to any upcoming dinner party. Or, for aficionados, consider cellaring to 2035.
Image via First Choice Liquor website.
Shingleback Haycutters Salmon Rosé
What’s springtime without a rosé? By far one of our favourite spring wine varietals, the Mclaren Vale based Shingleback winery has outdone themselves with their Haycutters Salmon Rosé. Forget your typical creamy mouthfeels, this Rosé has bottled aromas of summer picked raspberries, strawberries and freshly pierced lemon rind. Although there are nuances of rose petals, wine lovers with find a compote of red berry flavours finishing with a lingering acidity. Best paired with cured meats on a balmy afternoon picnic; if you’re looking for the best wines for springtime sipping, Shingleback’s Haycutters Salmon Rosé should be at the top of your list.
Image via First Choice Liquor website.
42 Degrees South Sparkling Cuvee NV
In the cold climate of Tasmania lives the Frogmore Creek Winery which overlooks the 42 Degrees South brand. And their sparkling Cuvee wine showcases the amazing climate and culture of Tasmania. Filled with delicious aromas of toasty brioche and citrus, and a light- to medium-bodied palate of apple, lemon and strawberry, this is a wine worth toasting over. The refreshing fragrances perfectly accompany the palate, which offers an elegant acid structure. Best served with freshly shucked oysters if you ask us!
Pair your new Australian made spring wine with this Strawberry, Basil and Goat’s Cheese Focaccia Bread: Recipe. Or, if you prefer a cold one, crack open one of these Top 10 Australian Made Craft Beers for Spring 2022.
Editor’s Note: Our writers and contributors have independently selected and curated this article, and all opinions are their own. This article does contain affiliate links which allow us to make revenue off some purchases made by our readers.