Thirsty work (From Redditch Advertiser)

Thirsty work

7:00am Saturday 6th February 2010

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Grey skies, January blues, broken New Year's resolutions. It's a paradox of life that while weary Brits struggle through what has been dubbed 'the most depressing week of the year', the sun's shining brightly down-under, and the wine industry's preparing for harvest time after toasting their spectacular Australia Day celebrations.

If you're not lucky enough to be jetting off to an Aussie city to enjoy the fruits of a long, hot summer, there are plenty of 'bonza' wines around to perk up your palate!

As the largest importer of Australian wines, the secret to sipping these beauties is to find the best wines from the most talented winemakers. While the supermarket shelves remind us why we love Australia, it's also worth going off-the-beaten track for a delicious glass of sunshine.

For easy mid-week drinking or entertaining friends and family, SPAR have launched three new wines by family owned Pettavel winery in the cool coastal region of southern Victoria. All under a fiver, their Australian Reserve Chardonnay (£4.99, SPAR) with exotic fruit flavours, a round buttery richness and a touch of oak, is the label that gets my vote.

Walking the aisles of Aldi? Make sure there's room in your trolley for their new arrival from Bushland, South Australia. The Winemakers Selection Red 2006 (£5.99, Aldi) is a moreish blend of cabernet, shiraz and merlot that's soft and juicy and amazing value for an award-winning wine.

Hot off the grapevine from the beautiful Clare Valley is Eighty Acres, the world's first wine brand to become 100% carbon neutral. Family-owned Wakefield winery describes their direct link with the land as "A cradle to grave approach", and an environmental initiative which deserves our support.

Try their triple medal-winner Wakefield Eighty Acres Chardonnay Viognier 2007 (Cheers Wine Merchants, £7.99). A full-bodied glass of bright straw with a myriad of fruity notes, a rich, creamy finish, and one of my favourite blends.

Adventurous wine lovers should try experimenting with Wakefield Eighty Acres Shiraz Viognier 2006 (£7.99, Cheers Wine Merchants). An unusual blend that's part of a new wave of Australian reds. The small amount of aromatic white grape softens the spicy, denseness of the shiraz, and the smooth mouthful of subtle berry fruits is well worth tasting.

While some of us will have to wait several months before throwing some bangers on the barbeque, we can still share in the Aussie spirit with a perfect partner to casseroles and stews.

Arriving on our shores in February is The Bandit Shiraz/Tempranillo 2008 (£8.99, Ocado) from Houghton, one of Western Australia's oldest wineries with a stash of medals. Named after the famous bushranger and rogue Moondyne Joe, this weighty red is packed with cherries, plums and a hint of liquorice - a wicked glass to savour.

And for some glorious, sunny fruit from the Eden Valley in South Australia that's guaranteed to shine under the darkest cloud, try Warburn Estate Yorktown Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (£9.49, www.laithwaites.co.uk). With strong gooseberry flavours and a fresh, well balanced finish, this zesty white from their maestro winemaker Sam Trimboli is an absolute corker.

Awesome mate!

:: Best buy Heavenly scented, Muscat is one of the few wines with fresh, grapey aromas and comes in a multitude of styles, depending on the country of origin. Australia's muscat is produced from delicious, plump, juicy grapes and Brown Brothers Dry Muscat (£5.49, Somerfield) is a lively glass of crisp, dry white and a terrific match with spicy Thai, Chinese or Malaysian style barbecued chicken.

:: Liquid news Surprise, surprise, not all grapes are picked in temperate climes! Canadian winemakers are waiting for temperatures to hit minus eight degrees to harvest their most celebrated wine export, Icewine. Anytime now, the juice will be concentrated and deliciously sweet after repeated freezing, thawing and dehydrating. For a honeyed taste of winter's gift to wine lovers, try Inniskillin Cabernet Franc 2006 (£60, 375ml, Planet of the Grapes, Direct Wines). Perfect on its own or with a home-made pudding such as trifle - the heavenly flavours of strawberries and cream put this sweet wine in a league of its own.

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