The judges at the China's Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards were impressed by this rich, spicy Shiraz, unanimously awarding it a Gold. It’s from John Quarisa, who for many years made wine for the biggest names in Oz, winning both the Jimmy Watson and Stodart Trophies. Today, with the help of his wife Josephine, he crafts winners like this. ‘Passion is Everything’ is their motto, and, after just over a decade in operation, their winery in New South Wales boasts four stars from Aussie wine guru James Halliday. He describes the “exceptional value for money provided by the wines” and is full of praise for this red. It’s deliciously easy going, but still packs a punch of luscious ripe fruit. A sure bet for a bbq, a roast or a hearty bake.

Aussies will say that something is the best thing this side of ‘the black stump’ (some mythical outback place), and we thought it an ideal name for this wine. But an isolated location hasn’t stopped the Casella family from running one of the country’s most successful wineries, winning countless awards including the coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy, Aussie wine’s equivalent of an Oscar. For English winemaker Alan Kennett, however, the ultimate accolade is knowing his wines grace so many tables back home. Ideal with pasta and creamy mushroom sauce, stir-fry or roast chicken.

Since the launch of the first Yarrunga Field, Sam Trimboli has been delighting customers with his fabulous wines and winning awards. They don't call him 'Mr Medals' for nothing! Only in the last four years has he set up his own family winery and, in our opinion, is producing even better wines. He has made us the dark, spicy Black Duck from Durif, and the White Chardie Pinot Grigio Duck, but this is just his second foray into the Pink Duck.

Sam is from Italian heritage – his grandfather grew vines in Italy 90 years ago and his parents emigrated to Oz in 1967 – so perhaps it's of no surprise that he has used nearly all Montepulciano here. A splash of Vermentino adds extra lemony zip. A pretty hue, lovely ripe fruit and zesty freshness.

Aquarius is one of the great wines made by the McPherson clan. You may know the name – they are the incredible team behind our bestselling The Full Fifteen. There’s no end to the talents of Chief Winemaker Jo Nash who has a long list of accolades to her name and crafts this excellent rosé too. It’s dominated by Shiraz, with supporting roles from Sangiovese and Petit Verdot – all carefully selected from Central Victoria.

The juice is quickly run off the grape skins to obtain a good kick of pink, then cool fermented for the perfect balance of freshness and fruit-filled flavour. Bright, zestful and dry with aromas of raspberries, strawberries and a touch of white pepper spice. Chill down well, sip solo, or pair with a quiche or Thai curry.