The classic wine countries such as France and Italy may have first perfected the art of fine wine but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some fantastic flavours when you venture further afield. Ciara Leahy focuses on new-world wines countries, beyond the European favourites

Croser NV Sparkling

O’Briens Wines, €24.95

For so long, people only equated quality bubbles with champagne, but if the rise of excellent prosecco and cava have taught us anything, it’s that sparkling wine doesn’t have to be French to be fantastic. Saying that, the French know their stuff and this new-world wine from the Adelaide Hills of south Australia has stuck to the traditional method of champagne making, blending chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. The result is a sparkling wine with a fine mousse, tiny bubbles and a distinctive biscuit brioche finish. However, the impact of the Australian sun means it’s a more fruit-forward style with fresh and vibrant flavours of apple, pear, strawberry, a little bit of citrus and a hint of honey. With a fine mineral backbone, it’s got all the characteristics of a good champagne without the price tag.

Exquisite Argentinian Malbec Rose

Exquisite Argentinian Malbec Rosé

Aldi, €6.99

Rosé is enjoying its day in the sun with sales on the increase, and not just during warmer weather. Delicate Provencal grapes have helped secure this style as a favourite, but if you’re a rosé fan, this malbec rosé will expand your taste buds and give you an appreciation for a bolder style of wine. This isn’t surprising given that Argentinian malbec is famous for its rich and powerful, full-bodied flavour. This results in a bright and intense wine where the characteristic strawberry flavour is lifted by notes of cherry and peach and even a hint of jam. This is a very pocket-friendly wine so don’t expect the world, but it will hit the spot for a night on the couch with a pizza and a movie and it is certainly one to try to expand your rosé experience.

Tiki Grey Label Sauvignon Blanc

Tiki Grey Label Sauvignon Blanc

Dunnes Stores, €16.49

We couldn’t write a piece on new-world wines without including a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Such is the success of the Marlborough region when it comes to this style that it has given the Loire Valley a serious run for its money. There is so much to choose from when it comes to New Zealand sauvignon, but we keep coming back to this Tiki Grey Label (selected exclusively for Simply Better in Dunnes Stores) because it ticks all the boxes. Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand lifts the classic flavours of green apple and peach and adds more exotic notes such as passionfruit, grapefruit and citrus and this bottle does exactly this. It’s refreshing acidity will work great with a fish starter for Easter dinner such as crab cooked in butter or for mains top some hake with a lemon crumb and enjoy.

Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

Marks & Spencer, €15

One of the more undiscovered sauvignon blanc regions is South Africa and Marks & Spencer have an interesting and elegant offering from Cape Point Vineyards which is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Some people think sauvignon is all zest and no depth, but the South African wine makers challenge that belief with a little oak ageing, which is usually more characteristic of chardonnay, to give that added complexity and flavour. However, the classic green herbal notes paired with pineapple and zingy lemon and lime still shine though. This means it has good length and can stand up with more complex food pairings such as a good strong goats cheese, a little bit of feta or if you are thinking about shucking a few oysters, crack this open. This is a wine that will encourage you to really start exploring the region.

AUS Clare Valley Riesling

AUS Clare Valley Riesling

Lidl, €8.99

Germany may be the home of riesling but when you look towards new-world wine, Australia and more specifically the Clare Valley are creating some impressive flavours. Riesling however, isn’t produced in the mass scale that is typical of sauvignon blanc or chardonnay and as a result usually comes with a heftier price tag. This bottle from Lidl is an exception to the rule, punching way above its weight at €8.99. It’s got that signature aromatic fruit-tone characteristic of a good riesling with citrus lemon and lime notes but there is also an interesting tone of orange blossom. Well balanced, it’s a delicate wine with a refreshing minerality. This will pair beautifully if you’re having some battered fish or a roast pork dinner over the Easter weekend.

Mount Horroks Clare Valley Semillon

Mount Horroks, Clare Valley Semillon

Avoca, €29

Staying in the Clare Valley, we’re stepping things up in terms of price but also flavour with this selection from Avoca. Semillon is a variety that is well worth exploring and Mount Horrocks will lead you on the right path. While you’ll usually find semillion in a blend when you opt for the French label, Australia is one of the few countries that can produce it as a single variety with impressive results – crisp and delicate with a chalky minerality. This bottle is rather complex with flavours of green apple, some pear and apricot. However, because it is aged in oak, you’re also getting a lovely creaminess and a bit of spice in the mouth giving it richness and length. While this would pair lovely with fish, it is really a bottle that stands well on its own. Have a friend over for a good catch up and sip away.

Alta Vista Vive Malbec

Alta Vista Vive Malbec

Mitchells & Sons, €16.95

The malbec vine may have been born in Bordeaux but it was in the vineyards of Mendoza on the edge of the Andes mountains where it came into its own. We are spoilt for choice in terms of what’s available on the Irish shelf. However, we chose this Alta Vista Vive from Mitchells & Sons as it ticks all the boxes with those signature fruit forward flavours but with all that good spice that makes a great Malbec. From the first sip, you’re getting lots of black fruit flavours of blackberry, plum and some black cherry. However, its underpinned with rich chocolatey and coffee notes and a subtle hint of vanilla. The tannins aren’t too overpowering which overall gives it a good structure. A lovely wine to enjoy in the evening with a good Easter egg or a cheese and wine board.

Nugan Estate Cabernet Shiraz

Nugan Estate Third Generation Cabernet Shiraz

SuperValu, €10.99

The intense Australian heat is known for creating rich, juicy wines and is always a country to look to for a good shiraz. The wine buyers in SuperValu are keen supporters of Nugan Estate and this Third Generation Cabernet Shiraz is a great blend that will work great on your Easter dinner table as it will pair lovely with some roast lamb. That’s because it is a lovely medium-bodied style wine that won’t overshadow your meal but instead will elevate the flavours. Blackcurrant fruit shines though and you might even detect a little strawberry flavour which is then balanced by earthy, smoky flavours with some pepper notes giving a warming spice. As the days get warmer, this will also be a nice accompaniment to a BBQ.

Stonier Pinot Noir

Stonier Pinot Noir

O’Briens Wines, €26.95

There is always an exception to the rule however, and although we mentioned that the intense Australia sun makes the country famous for its big, bold reds, cooler areas such as Victoria have a climate capable of producing grapes for a more delicate pinot noir. While you’ll get some dark cherry flavours, you’ll also pick up some lighter fruit flavours such as red cherry, strawberry and raspberry. This freshness of flavour comes from the vineyard’s location near the ocean. For a light red, it still has a complexity of flavour though with a delicate peppery spice and a little herb. Notes of oak and vanilla and soft tannins make this an excellent pinot worthy of its price tag. If you’re opting for a roast chicken or turkey dinner this Easter instead of the traditional lamb, then this will go down a treat.