It’s National Australia day! And you know what they say; drink as the Aussies do. Drink industry experts, the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) have compiled a guide to imbibing like a true Aussie, whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne or Clapham. From chilled, sparkling reds to ‘bagnums’ of wine, there’s a drink to suit anyone looking to raise a glass to the laid-back way of life from Down Under. So, here are 4 IDEAL drinks to toast Australia Day.
CRACK OPEN A CAN OF WINE
Australia is renowned for pioneering the wine-in-a-bag concept, which suits the country’s al fresco dining and drinking culture to a tee. Experts are predicting that 2018 will see huge strides in wine packaging innovations across the globe andThe Australian wine industry has been one of the first to embrace new formats, including canned wine and ‘bagnums’, which were originally invented by Aussie winemaker Andrew Nielsen in a bid to cut down on the amount of packing used in bottled wines. Even more convenient is canned wine, produced by Barokes whose award-winning range proves that it’s more about the liquid than the vessel.
Try it here:
- Banrock Station Shiraz Mataro, 3L – Amazon, Asda, Ocado, RRP £20.99
BRING THE BBG INDOORS WITH GRILLED FISH AND WINE
The iconic Aussie barbecue rouses visions of summer festivities and beachside dining, somewhat far removed from the current English winter days. However, celebrity chef John Torode has the ideal wine pairing suggestion to help Brits enjoy a classic summer combo while sheltering from the elements. Nothing is more typically Aussie than freshly grilled fish – ‘throw another shrimp on the barbie’ and all that. Grilled squid is a firm favourite amongst Aussies, who eat it all year round whether or not it’s BBQ season. When you grill a piece of squid it brings out the best of its fabulous savoury flavours, and a dish such as this needs a fruity, delicious and vibrant wine to match. Try a refreshing rosé or perhaps a Riesling from the Eden Valley, as the zingy palate and citrusy aromas complement this classic Aussie dish beautifully.
Try it here:
- McGuigan Shortlist Riesling 2016 (IWSC gold winner) – Sainsbury’s, RRP £14
- MT Rosé – Wine Rack, RRP £10
GIN MAKERS GET BACK TO NATURE
Australian gin brands are making the most of their continent’s unique ecosystem, which offers an enormous range of native natural flavourings. One of the gins making waves down under is Bass & Flinders’ Angry Ant Gin, distilled using Australian ants and indigenous plant botanicals. Ants communicate with pheromones, which are released during distillation; the addition of lemongrass, sandalwood nuts and currant bush are designed to complement the flavour of these chemicals.
David T Smith, IWSC Chair Judge and Gin expert, says “While the use of ants as a botanical is certainly eye-catching, this is not just a novelty drink. The use of ants as a botanical gives the gin a slight pepperiness to the flavor, which makes for a great addition to a gin-based Bloody Mary; the Red Snapper”.
Try it here:
- Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin – Master of Malt, RRP £39.95
- The West Winds Gin, The Sabre – Master of Malt, RRP £36.20
MOVE OVER PROSECCO, IT’S ALL ABOUT SPARKLING RED
UK sparkling wine sales have grown by 76% in the past 5 years alone* and although Champagne, Prosecco and English sparklings dominate the shelves, the Aussies offer a strong case as leading contender in the world of bubbles. However, Australia’s range of top quality sparkling reds is still fairly underappreciated in the UK, despite Aussie oenophiles having enjoyed this unconventional style for years. Perfect for red lovers after something a little more refreshing, Sparkling Shiraz offers the same depth and complexity of flavour, but should be served slightly chilled as an aperitif or paired with duck or lamb.
The IWSC’s Wine Communicator of the year, Joe Fattorini, says “Sparkling Shiraz is one of the great undiscovered gems of Australian wine. The rich fruit and light spice of these wines makes a great match for a classic Aussie barbecue and especially with a spicy barbecue sauce.”
Try it here:
- Jacobs Creek Sparkling Shiraz NV – Waitrose (IWSC’s Supermarket of the Year 2017), RRP £9.99
- McGuigan Black Label Sparkling Shiraz NV – Amazon (Official IWSC sponsor), RRP £8.94