Gold Medal Reds Dozen

Let's head to Italy, Spain and Portugal to meet some local wine royalty, then move on to Australia to taste a trio from three top regions there.

Italy’s historic city of Verona is our first stop. Here in northern Italy, you’ll find a feast of opulent, food-friendly reds including distinctive Amarone della Valpolicella, typically made from partially dried grapes (mainly Corvina). Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese is a two-time Gold medal red made by Amarone specialist Cantina di Negrar – Italy’s 2019 Winery of the Year.

On to Spain's Campo de Borja where Garnacha (Grenache) is so well adapted to the local conditions that the region is known as ‘The Empire of Garnacha’ (and can claim to be the origin of the grape). The intriguingly named BACCA is a fine example loaded with complex layers – and the Golds (SIX of them) have just flown in!

Gold-medal winemaking maestro Jaime Quendera makes Baía de Tróia Castelão at Portugal’s most awarded winery, Casa Ermelinda Freitas. But only in the best vintages and in tiny yields, from grapes grown on vineyards first planted 2,000 years ago. It's a Gold-winning beauty ripples with ripe plums, black fruits, laced with chocolate, and with a spicy oak finish.

Then a trio of beauties from three of South Australia's finest regions. First, the dark and peppery Limited Release Barossa Valley Shiraz from Five Red Star-rated Angove one of Australia’s oldest winemaking families Next, McLaren Vale’s always satisfying The Black Pig Shiraz, (it’s won multiple Golds and a Trophy in recent years) . Lastly, the fabulous classic dark, savoury yet juicy Mrs Q Coonawarra Cabernet, named in honour of Josephine Quarisa, wife of Johnny Q – and boasting two Golds in typical Quarisa style.

Save $108 at $19.99 a bottle.