Australia has been steadily embracing the natural, lo-fi wine movement in recent years. Winemakers are pushing for grape diversification, sustainable farming, and creative thinking. Gone are the days when the only thing you could find from Australia was boring box wine.
Explore some of our current favorites from the land down under.
Jumping Juice Half Full Red
Jumping Juice describes its wines as a “conduit to good times”. The unique blend that is Half Full Red epitomizes this optimism. Equal parts Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon mix with a bit of skin-fermented Sauvignon Blanc to create a red wine that is light, juicy, and crunchy. The wine is co-fermented in stainless steel tanks and sees a brief time on its lees. It is unfined, lightly filtered, and receives minimal sulfur at bottling. Perfect with a chill and paired with all your joyous carousing. $27.99; available at West End
Sunspell Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’re used to big, intense Cabs, then you’re in for a surprise; Sunspell is bright and juicy. A portion of the grapes see carbonic-maceration and the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks. The result is a medium-bodied red that is at home in any season. The palate is round with black plum and red peach, currants, and a subtly soft vegetal quality. The grapes are organic and sustainably farmed and the bottle is certainly a bang-for-your-buck. $16.99; available at Krog & West End
Unico Zelo Sea Foam
Unico Zelo is another winery working with a wide range of grape varietals that haven’t always been as popular in Australia. Their hope is that the wines demonstrate the uniqueness of Australia’s land and culture. We are particular fans of the Sea Foam Pet-Nat. Vermentino makes up the bulk of this blend, with a bit of help from some Fiano. The result is a fresh, mineral forward sparkling wine. It’s salty and green, with flavors of apples, pears, and nectarines. $24.99; available at Krog
