Three wines to enjoy while watching the wallet

There's a lot of financial pain at the moment, many people are doing it hard. Let's hope for solutions in the not-too-distant future. As Australia is a wine-drinking nation, the idea of foregoing a glass or two is a difficult thing for many to contemplate, but there is some good news. In a buyer's market, there are real bargains out there. Some wines offer great value relative to others of their type, while some very inexpensive wines do not compromise on quality at all.

Charles Renoir Gamay Red Burgundy 2018, $10

Score: 89

French gamay is often light and perfumed, but this deeply coloured drop adds lots of plummy, dark cherry-like fruit, rather like a butch Beaujolais. It's sumptuous and deep with a solid backbone of ripe tannins. Astonishing value. Screw cap, 13 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over three years.

Stockists include: Aldi stores aldi.com.au

A.C. Byrne McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018, $10

Score: 89

Another amazing bargain from Aldi, this modern McLaren Vale regional shiraz offers raspberry, licorice, earthy and chocolatey characters, and an ultra-smooth, ripe palate of seamless texture and harmonious tannins. Screw cap; 14 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over three years.

Stockists include: Aldi stores aldi.com.au

Vasse Felix Classic Dry White 2019, $17-$19

Score: 90

Top-notch Margaret River semillon-sauvignon blanc from a great winemaker under $20 is a good buy. Fresh, inviting passionfruit, citrus and herbal characters, intense, ripe flavour, and good structure combine in delicious harmony. Screw cap; 12.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over two years.

Stockists include: Como Wine & Spirits, South Yarra (Vic); Kemenys, Bondi (NSW) kemenys.com