Three red wines from abroad

Charting a course through the myriad wines available in Australia is a challenge, but a pleasant one. The internationalisation of our wine market means that we are exposed to labels from every corner of the globe, and the local product has never been better. Australian wine is great, but imports can expand our horizons, and with the constraints of the pandemic, they give us a small link to places we might long to visit, but can't.

Chateau Les Maurins Bordeaux 2019, $10

Score 88

From the Entre-deux-Mers part of the Bordeaux region, this deeply coloured young merlot-cabernet offers plummy merlot traits, with cigar-boxy regional notes underneath. Medium bodied and very dry to taste, it's a subtle, savoury drop of good character at an extraordinary price. Screw cap; 14 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over three years.

Stockists include Available at selected ALDI stores. Check with your local ALDI store.

Fondo Antico Nene Nero d'Avola 2018, $26-$30

Score 90

This nero d'Avola sums up the welcoming warmth of Sicilian red wine well. It smells exotic and slightly sunburnt, with cherry, prune, spice and orange peel aromas that track through a complex, middleweight palate of smooth, easy richness. Soft tannins and a tangy, ripe/savoury finish complete the picture. Cork, 13 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over three years.

Stockists include: Jim's Cellars, Woolahra (NSW); Cloudwine Cellars, South Melbourne (Vic).

Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru 2018, $85-$90

Score 93

French Burgundy is the varietal prototype pinot noir makers follow and this youngster, blended from premier cru vineyards, offers lovely regional purity. Strawberry, game and foresty aromas, touched by toasty oak, introduce a generous mouthful, seamless, silky, rich and perfectly poised. Diam cork; 13 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over eight years.

Stockists include: MW Wines, Collingwood (Vic); Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW).