Y IS THE ANSWER

Yalumba might appear to be one of those “big wine companies” and indeed they are, but they’re still family operated by the Hill-Smith family and have been since founder Samuel Smith planted grapes at Angaston in the Eden Valley in 1849. They’ve stretched their wings a little now with grapes all over South Australia and prime plantings in the Barossa and Eden Valleys and Coonawarra. Not to mention their own cooperage (barrel making) and vine nursery. Their “Y Series” wines are always a reliable go-to when being budget conscious. Available from major retailers.

Y SERIES, SAUVIGNON BLANC

SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2017: Bright and clean aromas with plenty of citrus, fresh grass, spearmint and subtle riper tropical fruit: passionfruit seeds and mango. Lively lemon and yellow tropical flavours speed along with crisp green leafy notes as racing stripes. Easy match for fish and chips. Rating: 7/10 RRP: $15 Alc: 11.5%

Y SERIES, RIESLING

BAROSSA, 2017: Labelled Vegan Friendly and made by wild fermentation (not usual for a wine label produced on this scale). Hyper floral with white blossoms, “lemonade” aromas. Could easily pass for a riesling twice the price. Rating: 9/10 RRP: $15 Alc: 12%

Y SERIES, VIOGNIER

SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 2017: Yalumba are considered champions of viognier in Australia. This wine is also made by wild fermentation which provides complexity and flavour. Exotic aromas of wild orange, apricot stone fruit and jasmine blossoms. A wine to convert viognier non-believers. Rating: 8/10 RRP: $15 Alc: 13.5%