Australia: 10 Shiraz, Grenache (etc.) reds.

'Bush vines' photo courtesy of d'Arenberg (links to site).

d'Arenberg - McLaren Vale, South Australia.

The Osborn family has farmed vineyards in the McLaren Vale since 1912, and chief winemaker Chester has been running the operation for over 40 years. Their eccentric and wide range is sourced from over 25 varieties including many Mediterranean and other French, Spanish and Italian grapes, some of which come from very old bush vines.

Australia & New Zealand: 12 Rieslings.

This is the first of a few 'themed' posts featuring my favourites from a recent Australia and New Zealand wine tasting in Dublin. And why not start with a dozen classy white wines made from the ultimate wine-geek variety Riesling - does it now figure on people's wine shopping lists, or is everyone still obsessed with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio? If it's the latter, you're missing out.

Retail prices quoted are in €s (Ireland) or £s (UK), and cellar door in $ Aus/NZ where available.

Roussillon: Domaine Bila-Haut (Chapoutier), Bruno Andreu, VICA.

Domaine Bila-Haut (Chapoutier)

Chapoutier made a move on the Roussillon more than 20 years ago establishing a vineyard and winery base in Latour de France in the north (first vintage 2001). Further projects and wines followed from nearby Lesquerde to Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Côte d'Azur coast, some from owned vineyard blocks and some in partnership with other growers.

Languedoc: Famille Fabre

Now run by Clémence Fabre and husband Louis-Jacques, this centuries-old wine family owns five vineyards in the Minervois and Corbières in the Languedoc. Recent departures from traditional winegrowing include estate-grown barley and hops, which are supplied to a Béziers-based brewery; and Clémence's brother André set up a cidery producing 'real' ciders two years ago. Hence, the quirky 'Pet Nat' (pétillant naturel) Vranja reviewed in this post, a "natural sparkling wine made from quince, apple and pear..."

Roussillon: Domaine Sol Payré, Château de l'Ou, Mas Bécha, Mas de Lavail.

Domaine Sol Payré

Didier and Tatiana Rodriguez farm 56 hectares of organic vineyards, which mostly lie between Elne and Ortaffa south of Perpignan heading towards the magnificently moody Albères hills on the Spanish border, as well as a few blocks in the Maury area in the north.