Send us a textAustralian sparkling wines showcase distinctive regional characters that rival champagne in quality while expressing unique Australian terroir.• Blind tasting of four Australian sparkling wines from three different regions: Tasmania, Yarra Valley, and Whitlands High Plateau• Traditional method sparklings have many variables beyond region, including aging on lees and fruit character• Yarra Yering (Yarra Valley) shows distinctive red apple fruit and rich brioche character from 100% Chardonnay• Chandon Vintage Brut (Whitlands High Plateau) displays remarkable mineral character, pristine acidity and surprising youth despite its age• Jansz (Tasmania) delivers exceptional value with perfect creaminess and the traditional autolytic character consumers expect• Handpicked (Tasmania) shows a simpler, more fruit-forward approach• Whitlands High Plateau (800m elevation) produces fruit with distinctive mineral quality and exceptional acid structure• Australian sparkling wines remain excellent value compared to increasingly expensive champagneJoin us next week when we explore Barbera wines from around Australia.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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Wine News June: Oakridge closes restaurant, De Bortoli ripping up vines, Treasury investing in NOLOW, and Wine Australia's new campaign
Send us a textMeg and Mel tackle changing dynamics in the Australian wine industry, from restaurant closures to big investments and new marketing directions.• Meg shares insights from VinExpo Asia where Australian wine received positive feedback and shows a shift toward lighter-bodied reds and more whites• Oak Ridge restaurant closure highlights broader hospitality industry struggles with profit margins shrinking from 10% to 6-8%• De Bortoli's vine pulling in warmer regions reflects necessary industry restructuring with significant costs and time investment• $100 million investment from Vinarki into South Australian winemaking shows confidence despite centralization concerns• Treasury Wine's $15 million investment in low/no-alcohol technology raises questions about authenticity when flavors are added• Wine Australia's new "We've Got a Wine for That" campaign receives mixed reviews from industry insiders but positive feedback from everyday consumers• Industry challenges stem from changing demographics with younger generations drinking less wine than previous generations at the same life stageFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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Mel's conspiracy theory about Margaret River Chardonnay
Send us a textMel tests her theory that Margaret River Chardonnay producers are abandoning their signature big, buttery style for leaner expressions through a tasting of four wines across different price points.• Meg Brotman argues that Margaret River has traditionally delivered reliable, high-quality big Chardonnays with texture and weight• Meg describes Margaret River Chardonnay as having a fuller style with riper fruit, moderate acidity, and more evident oak compared to cooler regions• The $18 Aldi Blackstone Limited Release proves to be an excellent baseline, showing classic regional character with grapefruit, oatmeal notes, and creamy texture• Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay ($40.90) delivers a seamless, beautiful expression that supports Margaret River's traditional style• Xanadu Chardonnay shows structural issues, with richness around the edges but lacking mid-palate depth• Forrester Chardonnay impresses both hosts, further disproving the theory that Margaret River is abandoning its signature style• The panel concludes that while some producers may be experimenting with leaner styles, Margaret River's distinct Chardonnay identity remains intactJoin us next week as we explore the Italian variety Barbera and whether it lives up to its trendy reputation.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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Dan Murphy's Wine Awards + the $20 wine that blew us away
Send us a textDan Murphy's inaugural Best in Glass Wine Awards evaluates wines based on drinkability and value rather than traditional wine show metrics, so we thought we'd see what we thought of their top picks. • Dan Murphy's tasted over 1,400 wines for their first Best in Glass Awards• Categories include Best Value, Best International, and overall Best winners• Tim Adams Clare Valley Pinot Gris 2024 ($20.29) is the standout winner, drinking like a $35 wine• Chapel Hill The Parson Pinot Grigio offers excellent value at $16.99• International winner Versato Alto Adige Pinot Grigio ($30) didn't quite justify its price premium for us• Little Yering Victorian Pinot Noir provides good value at $22 • Decoy California Pinot Noir ($50) shows typical dark fruit and pronounced oak character• Nanny Goat Central Otago Pinot Noir exhibits the region's characteristic robust styleNext week we'll be tasting Margaret River Chardonnay to explore whether the region is moving away from its traditionally rich style toward leaner expressions.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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Wine News - May: Rob Dolan Wines in administration, Vinarchy launches, China update, industry shout outs
Send us a textIn light of the new pope, we ask the question: what do they drink in the Vatican? (The answer has Mel considering turning up to Sunday mass)Wine’s new power player, Vinarchy, and what it means for the industry. An update on China exports – restocking, or a true comeback?A few industry shout-outsAnd… things get real. Meg opens up about what it’s really like when the winery you work for goes into administration.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
The fun + frank podcast which helps you navigate the world of wine. Hosted by Australia's first female Master of Wine Meg Brodtmann, and self-titled Master of Sabrage Mel Gilcrist.
New Zealand