Three wines from Queensland, made with love and creativity

Winemaker Andrew Scott does things differently on Queensland's Granite Belt. His small-batch La Petite Mort wines deserve a spotlight. Scott uses ancient winemaking techniques such as fermentation in terracotta amphorae and has 14 of the large Georgian beasts (known in Georgia as qvevri) partially buried in the Ballandean soil he calls home. His creations regularly earn him a top 50 spot in the annual Young Gun of Wine awards.

Scott's second label, Wilhelm Scream, exploded on the scene this month with three reds and a skin-contact pinot gris. "It's designed to be more approachable and more affordable," he says. "If La Petit Mort is your Friday night dinner party go-to, then Wilhelm Scream is more like a midweek Netflix-and-Uber Eats kind of vibe."

La Petite Mort Gentil Qvevri 2020, Granite Belt, Qld, $35

The gothic still life label (complete with a skeleton and grapes) hint at the edgy wine within. The aromas are alluring – lychees, grilled pineapple, custard apple and cloves – while the punchy palate finishes dry. Scott lets gewurztraminer and muscat kick back for 151 days on skins in qvevri and the result is a textural assault. Skinsy wines tend to have oomph. This beauty takes it up a notch. In the glass it looks like cloudy apple juice. Chill it down, embrace the haze and let the good times roll. Exquisite. 12.1 per cent alcohol.

Find it at winecult.org

La Petite Mort Saperavi Qvevri 2020, Granite Belt, Qld, $45

Pry the cork from its black wax confines and inhale. This lo-fi, avant-garde Georgian beauty delivers earthy, blackcurrant notes from sniff to sip. After 211 days on skins in clay amphorae there's depth behind its dandy demeanour. A hint of soy sauce, green twigs and cranberries. Mouth-watering acid and tip-toe tannins round off the experience. A conversation starter and memorable dinner guest that begs for pork dumplings or lamb shanks. At 13.2 per cent alcohol, it's a red that won't smack you around the head.

Find it at winecult.org

La Petite Mort Wilhelm Scream Sangiovese 2019, Granite Belt, Qld, $23

A screen siren stares out from the label, catches the eye and beckons with fingernails painted red. "Drink me." You'd be wise to do so but don't wait for a special occasion. This is a light-hearted, drink-now red. Bent Road Winery's Glen Robert and Scott have created a savoury, rustic rascal just right for outdoor film screenings and barbecues with mates. It's earthy and delivers a whiff of freshly mown grass. You can almost hear the screen door clanging and Hills Hoist creaking. 13.2 per cent alcohol.

Find it at winecult.org