Best Everyday Wines: A Guide for Wine Lovers

Best Everyday Wines: A Guide for Wine Lovers

Best everyday wines

Although there's nothing quite like opening a special bottle of wine and sharing a toast with friends, there are times when it's just as wonderful to quietly unwind in your happy place with a delicious glass of wine... just because.

Selecting an ‘everyday wine’ doesn't have to be a pricey indulgence. All you need is a reliable wine that tastes great, won't break the bank and can be savoured any day of the week.

To help you choose which wines deserve a spot on your wine shelf rack, fridge or cellar, we've created a list of the best varietals we recommend for everyday wine drinking.

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Red wines

When it comes to reliable everyday red wines, three classics always come to mind. Originally hailing from the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France, these grapes are now grown all over the world, with some of the finest varieties being cultivated in our very own backyard.

These wines are affordable, bursting with flavour and pair with a wide variety of recipes and cuisines.


Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the world's most sought-after red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, resulted from an accidental cross-pollination between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc in the 1600s. Originating from Bordeaux, France and distantly related to Merlot, this thick-skinned grape thrives in the warm Australian climate and enjoys a long growing season.

Taste profile: Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and boasts robust tannins and high acidity, giving it excellent ageing potential. Its bold flavour profile features dark fruity undertones reminiscent of plum and blackcurrant.

Pair with: Roast lamb with rosemary seasoning, lamb chops, braised beef, portobello mushrooms, cheddar cheese.

We recommend: 2018 McGuigan The Shortlist Cabernet Sauvignon for its lifted flavours of mulberry, coffee and vanilla bean.

 

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a lighter-bodied, thin-skinned red grape variety. With its slightly translucent appearance and velvety finish, it's a smooth and easy-to-drink wine that can be enjoyed daily.

Taste profile: Pinot Noir is known for its seductive red fruit aromas, including cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Its earthy and mushroom undertones become more pronounced with each year of ageing, making it an excellent addition to any wine collection.

Pair with: Mushroom risotto, roast pork or turkey, braised duck, pizza, goat cheese.

We recommend:2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Pinot Noir, which has underlying earthy nuances of French oak, ripe red berry flavours and a hint of savoury spice. Or, for a non-alcoholic option, try McGuigan Zero Alcohol Pinot Noir for its soft and supple, red fruit-driven palate with a light sour cherry finish.

 

Shiraz

Shiraz, also known as 'Syrah', was one of the earliest grape varieties to be planted in Australian vineyards. With our warm climate providing the perfect conditions for this dark-skinned grape to flourish, Australia is renowned for producing some of the finest Shiraz in the world. It's definitely a wine worth adding to your list of everyday favourites.

Taste profile: Shiraz is a deep red-hued, full-bodied wine with rich and juicy dark fruit flavours complemented by savoury undertones of pepper, spice and leather.

Pair with: Steak, roast beef, barbecued red meat, hamburgers, aged hard cheeses like gouda.

We recommend: 2022 McGuigan Mastercraft Noon Harvest Shiraz for its rich and generous palate and flavours of juicy summer berries. For a guilt-free version you can enjoy every day, try McGuigan Zero Alcohol Shiraz which has delicious flavours of spice, plum and forest berries.

 

White Wines

A well-stocked home bar should always include a crisp and refreshing white wine. Whether you're relaxing outside on a lazy Sunday afternoon or enjoying a light weeknight meal of salad, seafood, chicken, or veggies, white wine is the perfect accompaniment.

We've listed three everyday white wines that are unique and versatile, perfect for any occasion.

 

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a dry white wine that originated from Burgundy, France. In Australia, Chardonnay grapes thrive in cooler regions like Margaret River, Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills.

Chardonnay can taste different depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made, but typically it’s a medium to full-bodied wine with notes of green apple, lemon, pineapple, and sometimes vanilla. If the wine has been aged in oak barrels, it undergoes malolactic fermentation, which results in a Chardonnay with a rich, creamy texture and "buttery" taste.

Taste profile: Chardonnay can range in flavour from green apple and lemon in cooler climates to more tropical pineapple and peach notes when grown in warmer weather. Chardonnay aged in oak can have toasty vanilla flavours.

Pair with: Rich seafood dishes like lobster mornay or spaghetti with vongole, salmon, creamy chicken, soft cheeses like brie or camembert.

We recommend: 2019 McGuigan Personal Reserve Hunter Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay for its fresh acidity, good length and persistence, and flavours of white peach and citrus. Or try our McGuigan Zero Alcohol Chardonnay if you’re in the mood for a full-flavoured white wine without the alcohol content.

 

Sauvignon Blanc

Looking for a crisp, refreshing white wine that's perfect for everyday drinking? Look no further than Sauvignon Blanc, a popular choice among wine lovers. Originally from Bordeaux in France, this crowd-pleasing wine is now widely produced in Australia, with the Adelaide Hills and Margaret River regions famed for producing excellent Sauvignon Blanc.

Taste profile: Sauvignon Blanc is lighter than Chardonnay and has a unique zingy flavour. Its passionfruit and citrus undertones make it a refreshing beverage choice.

Pair with: Herby Asian dishes, salads with a tangy dressing, grilled white fish or chicken, green vegetables, goat cheese.

We recommend: 2022 McGuigan Mastercraft Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc for its crisp, dry taste and tropical aromas. Or enjoy McGuigan Zero Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc for its generous aromas of gooseberry and citrus fruits and subtle grassy tone.

 

Riesling

Dating back to the 15th century in Germany, Riesling is a white grape known for its sweetness and lower alcohol content than Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling thrives in several regions in Australia, including the Clare Valley and Eden Valley.

Taste profile: Riesling is rarely oaked and is intensely aromatic with fresh fruit flavours, including apple and pear. When aged, you may taste subtle honey and nutty tones.

Pair with: Spicy and robust Indian or Asian dishes, sweet and sour pork, mustard ham, and salty cheeses like gorgonzola or feta.

We recommend: 2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Clare Valley Riesling for its lifted floral aromas with hints of tea rose and orange blossom, vibrant citrus characters and long, persistent finish.

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Rosé

Rosé is beloved for its elegant pink colour and delicate taste. It's made from the same black grapes used for red wine; however, the grape skins are only left in contact with the juice for a short time, which gives Rosé its lighter body and subtle pink hue. This creates a wine that is perfectly balanced between sweetness and acidity, offering a refreshing and flavourful experience without feeling too heavy on the palate.

Taste profile: In general, Rosé is lighter and less tannic than red wines, but can have a bit more body and flavour than many white wines. Rosé typically has fruity and floral notes such as strawberry, raspberry, cherry, watermelon and citrus.

Pair with: Light meat dishes like chicken, pork or turkey, hummus and flatbread, seafood, cured meats, barbecued or grilled vegetarian dishes, soft cheeses.

We recommend: 2022 McGuigan Mastercraft Rosé, made from a blend of Shiraz and Tempranillo grapes, it has tantalising raspberry fruit flavours offset by a refreshing, dry finish.

 

Sparkling wines

Popping open a bottle of Sparkling Wine doesn’t have to be exclusively tied to a special occasion. The delightful effervescence and refreshing taste of a glass of bubbles can brighten up any day, and it’s versatile enough to pair with a wide range of foods.

Taste profile: The bubbles and delicate aromas of sparkling wine are known to linger on the tongue. Typical flavours include citrus, apple, pear, and sometimes tropical fruits like pineapple or mango. Premium bottles of sparkling wine may offer nutty and creamy flavours in addition to fruitiness.

Pair with: Antipasto, prawns and oysters, grilled fish, or buttery pastries.

We recommend: 2022 McGuigan Mastercraft Premium Cuvee, a fine beaded sparkling wine crafted from premium Chardonnay grapes. Or if you’re feeling like bubbles without the booze, try popping a bottle of McGuigan Zero Alcohol Sparkling for its bright and crisp flavours of pear and green apple.

 

Having a selection of reasonably priced, delicious everyday wines at your disposal is a wonderful thing. Whether you prefer a bold, full-bodied red, a crisp and dry white, a refreshing Rosé, or a bubbly sparkling wine, McGuigan has a diverse range of options to satisfy any palate.

 

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