From fun-flavoured Spritzes to new and exciting moscatos, we’ve got the goods for this almost-summer season.
Want to be the cool wine person in the room? Buy the sweet sparkling wine. Yes, we know, sweet wine is a bit of a group divider, kinda like the old vodka vs gin Martini debate (it’s gin, btw). But trust us, sweet fizzy wine is about to have its due comeback, kind of like the side-part or, dare we say, the side fringe? *cringes*. Be ahead of the curb, front of the pack, or whatever metaphor you think fits, and buy some sweet wine for this sunny season.
We’ve rounded up our fave hot new sparkly sweeties for your perusal, from flavoured moscatos and reg moscatos to lemon spritz (lemon, bruh, we’re telling you), and other flavoured spritz cocktails. All that’s left is the need for a butt-tonne of spicy, fatty foods. Trust us.
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1. Brown Brothers Moscato Mango Swirl
Have you ever had a sip of wine and thought, damn, I wish there was mango in this? Well, you’re in luck. Brown Brothers have read all our thoughts and made their Moscato Mango Swirl – and, friends, it's delicious. It’s like a ‘straya summer in a bottle: mango, a touch of coconut, fizzy, clean and fresh. Serve this wine super cold (the colder the better), or even over a good handful of ice, a la Spritz.
Where to take it: This may be really basic of us, but this wine feels picnicky. Like red and white gingham, sea breeze blowing in from somewhere in the far, far distance, straw hats, rompers, tupperware, sore backs from sitting on the ground for hours (we getting old), the whole shebang. Super cutesy, super “hi my name is [insert name], and I brought Brown Brothers Moscato Mango Swirl (AKA the best thing) to the picnic.” Can’t you just picture it?
2. Brown Brothers Ginger and Lime Spritz
Brown Brothers is really popping off this season, hey? Good for them. This time with a Ginger and Lime Spritz (uh yum). It’s kind of like a fancy ginger beer, but obviously not that because it's wine. Think lovely punchy fresh ginger notes, sharp lime flavours and juicy green grapes. Serve this fellow in a big wine glass over a good helping of ice alongside fresh lime and a sprig of mint.
Where to take it: This is an A+ BYO to your fave local Vietnamese joint. Niche, but stay with us. These types of sweet wines beg for some fat and chilli – and Vietnamese delivers on both. We’re thinking crunchy rice paper rolls and chilli sauce. Damn, we’re hungry already.
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3. Squealing Pig Spiced Apple Pie
Not everyone is into the quintessential Aussie summer. Some folk (not us p.s.) crave the winter times. They want the heater blasting, long sleeves, staying inside, bingeing Below Deck. Let’s call it winter nostalgia. For the winter-minded, we recommend Squealing Pig Spiced Apple Pie, an indulgent apple and cinnamon spritzer that tastes like winter/autumn, but is just made for sunny days – think vanilla custard, baked apples, cinnamon, preserved lemon and a full and creamy mouthful. Basically apple pie but drinkable and fizzy. Chill it right down, and it’s a perfect summer sipper.
Where to take it: Two words – have in. As we mentioned, this feels very autumny, very wintery – it’s a cold-weather nostalgia wine. So get out your fave blanky and settle in for a Twilight marathon (we’re all guilty of it). Commit to the bit and serve next to some hearty stew or even its namesake – fresh warm apple pie (extra cream, duh).
4. Yellow Tail Mediterranean Lemon Spritz
Oh, well look who it is. We can’t seem to get away from that ol’ yellow citrus – she is literally everywhere, and tbh, we’re not mad about it. This time she’s popped up in a Yellow Tail Spritz. Think light, fizzy, but complex – balancing lemon sherberty flavours with citrus sweetness. Serve cold as or over some ice in a wine glass.
Where to take it: This feels very aperitivo to us – something you would have a glass of before filling your stomach with carbs and cheese. So, either have this as a little pre-drink at home with the gang before lunch or, if it's a BYO sitch, bring it as a nice little drop before your bigger eating-wines are served.
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5. Cat Amongst The Pigeons Jazz Cat Moscato
Moscato is coming back in a big way. It’s light, it’s sweet, it’s bubbly – kind of like the Kimmy Schmidt of wines. And the Cat Amongst The Pigeons Moscato is the epitome of the style. Fruity and floral on the nose, heavier on the tropical fruits and rose aromas, followed with a balanced palate of pear, citrus and apple. Serve this as cold as you can get it.
Where to take it: This is a lazy Susan wine. It’s for big fatty dumplings, spring rolls and chicken feet. Yes, that’s right. Bring this bad boy to yum cha. It’s perfect. All those cold sweet flavours will cut right through the richness. A match made in heaven.
6. Devil’s Vine Moscato
See? We told you, Moscato is back, and better than ever. This wine from Devil’s Vine is devilishly divine, too. Approachable yet complex (not unlike the devil), juicy yet smooth, a wine full of contrasts. On the nose it’s all sweet pear and musk, while on the palate it’s got fruit, citrus and crisp acidity all day. These sweeter wines need to be cold, very very cold, so be sure it’s poured fresh from the fridge into some frosty flutes.
Where to take it: Do you have an aunty or uncle? Do you like them/see them on the reg? If so, take it to lunch with them. They'll love it, and you’ll love it. Because despite being cool and new, it won’t ever escape being the fun aunty’s or uncle’s drink of choice. Enjoy tradition, embrace modernity, or however that meme goes.
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