Always choosing the same bottle? These food-friendly new arrivals will fix that.

No matter how much we all love our go-to red wine – and we really do – it’s always good to try something new. But if you’re sticking with the same old shiraz or cabernet because you’re not sure where to go from here, you’re missing out on a world of other wines. With so many different grape varieties now grown and made around Australia, as well as countless affordable imported styles, it’d be rude not to mix things up at least once in a while.

If you ask us, that time is now because a fresh batch of top new reds are now on the shelves at Dan’s. And because we get a bit excited about delicious new wines, we’ve picked out eight absolute standouts. Not too long ago, the following wines might have been called alternative varieties or styles, but they’ve fast become regular picks. They do differ a little to our long-time Aussie reds, and they all happen to work especially well with a whole range of food. Ready to mix things up? Read on.

1. If you like pinot noir and lighter reds

Try: Ethereal One Gamay

For anyone who drinks only pinot noir as a rule (we all know the one), this gamay is sure to appeal. It’s an excellent choice for meals with friends, not just because it won’t overpower the food, but also because it should keep most people happy (except maybe your big-red-or-bust mates). This wine has a lighter touch, as expected in in this variety originally from France’s Beaujolais, and it’s full of juicy, bright red-fruit aromas and flavours, and a silky palate.

Serving suggestion: Dumplings, duck or charcuterie.

Member Offer

$14 EachNon-Member: $17.99 Each

2. If you like shiraz and dark fruit flavours

Try: Coriole Nero

Nero d’Avola (nair-oh davo-la) is southern Italy’s flagship variety, so it makes sense that it’s a super food-friendly wine. Here, McLaren Vale’s Coriole has made this grape its own, with the variety thriving in this South Australian region’s warm climate. This wine shows nero’s bold dark-fruit flavours, while still keeping it fresh and vibrant – intended for cracking open and enjoying as a young wine on release.

Serving suggestion: Beef ragu or a good burger.

$29.99 each

A bottle of Gemtree Luna Temprana Tempranillo

3. If you like grenache and medium-bodied reds

Try: Gemtree Luna Temprana Tempranillo

Here’s another wine that proves McLaren Vale’s chops when it comes to Mediterranean varieties. This is a fresh and fruity style of tempranillo (temp-rah-nee-oh), which originally hails from Spain. Dry and medium bodied, it’s bright and juicy with cherry and red berry flavours, which mingle with olive notes and other subtle savoury characters. A great pick for vegans, as well as being certified organic and biodynamic.

Serving suggestion: If you’re keeping things vegan, go for a curry or stir-fry with a little spice, or roasted earthy veggies.

$24.99 each

4. If you like big shiraz and cabernet sauvignon

Try: Xanadu Malbec

Sick of taking the same bottle of red to every barbie? Put this wine on your radar (if you’re in Tassie or SA, you’ll need to order it online and get it delivered). Xanadu is one of Australia’s top producers – they’ve won a swag of coveted awards – so you know you’re getting the goods here. Originally hailing from France’s Bordeaux, malbec shines in WA’s Margaret River, where Xanadu has given it an inky, plush dark-fruited treatment. Expect big flavours and a savoury finish in this classy new release.

Serving suggestion: Chargrilled meats – we’re going for steak and premium sausages.

Member Offer

$38 eachNon-Member: $40.99 each

5. If you like shiraz and rich pinot noir

Try: Tim Adams Sangiovese

Sangiovese (san-jo-vay-zay) is one of the all-time classic Italian wines from Tuscany, but this one comes from South Australia’s Clare Valley in a debut for the winery. The team has worked with the variety for a long time, and this release is full of crunchy wild berry, cranberry and savoury notes, along with dried herbs and spicy oak, while good acidity and firm tannins – giving it that structured mouthfeel – bring it all together.

Serving suggestion: Anything showcasing tomato, especially rich pastas and pizzas.

$27.99 each

6. If you like pinot noir and lighter shiraz

Try: Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo comes in many different shades, and the best of them – from Italy’s Piedmont – are among the world’s most complex and coveted wines. Tar, roses and deceivingly firm tannins are common descriptors, but this Italian nebbiolo is soft, bright and surprisingly juicy, making it an approachable intro to this much-loved grape variety.

Serving suggestion: Hearty pastas and beef stew.

$39.99 each

A bottle of Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo

7. If you like cool-climate shiraz and pinot noir

Try: Maretti Italia Barbera

Like nebbiolo, barbera (bar-bear-uh) is also from northern Italy, but it doesn’t really get the same attention as its prized counterpart. In comparison, it is considered more of an everyday wine – read: super drinkable – so barbera is another excellent addition to the dinner table. This one, from Italy, is bright and medium bodied, fresh and very approachable with juicy fruit flavours.

Serving suggestion: This will go with just about anything, but keep it Italian with a spread of cured meats and pastas.

Member Offer

$13 eachNon-Member: $15.99 each