2022 Nero d'Avola/Grenache

This blend is all about sunshine, spice, and serious drinkability. Nero d’Avola — originally from Sicily — brings the plush, dark cherry fruit and a bit of earthy swagger. Grenache lightens the mood with juicy red berries and a lifted, aromatic vibe. Together, they hit that perfect sweet spot: soft, slurpy and way too easy to come back to.

This is a medium-bodied red, but there’s nothing middle-of-the-road about it. It’s got black cherry, raspberry compote, a dusting of dried herbs, and just a hint of something savoury underneath — maybe cola spice, maybe a bit of leather, but nothing too serious. Tannins are fine and supple, acidity’s in the Goldilocks zone, and it finishes clean, fresh, and begging for food.

It’s a wine that loves to be chilled down just a touch — not fridge-cold, but picnic-in-the-shade cool — and it really shines in warm weather. Perfect for Brisbane, basically.

Skip the overthink, lean into the mood — it’s food-friendly and crowd-pleasing, but still interesting enough to keep the wine nerds happy.

– Wood-fired pizza — anything with tomato base, prosciutto, or roasted capsicum.
– Grilled lamb koftas with yoghurt and herbs — spicy meets juicy and it’s a vibe.
– Eggplant parma or caponata — earthy, sweet veg with that southern Italian feel.
– BBQ pork belly — especially with a little char and a sticky glaze.
– Or honestly? A crusty baguette, some hard cheese, olives and sunshine.