Vermentino Grapes on Vine

3 Underrated Wine Varieties You Need to Try Now

May 08, 2025Annie Allan

If your go-to is Sauvignon Blanc or Shiraz, we’re not here to judge — but we are here to shake up your wine rack.

Australia’s boutique wine scene is bursting with alternative varietals that are rewriting the rules on what a great drop should taste like. At The Wine Revival, we’re big believers in championing the lesser-known heroes — the varieties that winemakers love and drinkers haven’t discovered yet.

Here are three underrated wine types you need to try now — each one crowd-tested, small-batch, and ready to become your new favourite.


🍋 1. Vermentino: The Crisp Coastal White You Didn’t Know You Needed

Light. Zesty. Ridiculously drinkable.

Vermentino is Italy's answer to that perfect sunny-day white — and it’s thriving in Australia’s warm climates. This variety is crisp, clean, and bursting with citrus, saline and a touch of almond on the finish. Think of it as Pinot Grigio’s more interesting cousin.

Our 2023 Vermentino comes from South Australia and is all about freshness, texture, and approachability. It’s a match made in heaven for seafood, salads, or just a long afternoon in the sun.

Keywords: Vermentino wine Australia, best white wine for summer, light white wine, alternative white wine varietals


🍒 2. Grenache: The Red You’re About to Fall Hard For

Juicy, silky, and way too easy to love.

Grenache (or Garnacha if you're feeling Spanish) is often overshadowed by Shiraz, but it’s one of the most versatile and food-friendly reds out there. Bright red fruits, soft tannins, and a hint of spice — what's not to like?

We feature it front and centre in our 2023 GSM (Grenache Shiraz Mataro) — a classic Rhône-style blend with a modern Aussie spin. It’s vibrant, medium-bodied, and dangerously drinkable with anything off the BBQ.

Keywords: Grenache wine Australia, GSM red blend, smooth red wine, best Australian red wines


🍇 3. Nero d’Avola: The Bold, Juicy Italian That’s Making Waves

Plush, plummy, and made for bold flavour lovers.

Originally from Sicily, Nero d’Avola is quietly becoming a rockstar in Australian vineyards. It’s bold like Shiraz but fresher and more elegant — with notes of black cherry, plum, and earthy spice. Perfect for those who like their reds with presence but without the punch-you-in-the-face alcohol.

Our 2022 Nero d’Avola Grenache blends the best of both worlds — dark fruit depth from Nero and lift from Grenache. It’s a juicy, layered red that overdelivers on every level.

Keywords: Nero d’Avola wine Australia, bold red wines, unique red wine varieties, Italian red wine varieties


Ready to Try Something New?

You won’t find these wines lining the shelves of your local bottle-o. These are small-batch, hand-crafted Australian wines made by real people, not marketing teams — and they’re ready to win you over.

👉 Shop Our Latest Releases →
👉 Get to Know the Winemaker →


Raise a glass to the underrated.
Because sometimes the best wines are the ones you haven’t met yet.

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