If you’re a Sauvignon Blanc die-hard but feeling a bit adventurous, Australia’s wine landscape has some brilliant alternatives that’ll satisfy your craving for zesty, vibrant whites while offering something a little different. Here are five Aussie wines that will make you rethink sticking to just good ol' Savvy B.
1. Semillon (Hunter Valley, NSW)
Why It’s a Great Alternative: For those who love the crisp, citrusy edge of Sauvignon Blanc, Hunter Valley Semillon is a revelation. With its sharp acidity and refreshing lime and green apple notes, it’s a white that’s as zesty as they come. And, as it ages, this wine takes on a new life, developing complex, toasty, honeyed flavours that make it a joy to rediscover year after year.
Try: Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon – The crown jewel of Hunter Valley Semillon, Tyrrell’s Vat 1 is all about precision and longevity. The Tyrrell family, who’ve been crafting wines since 1858, handpick grapes from some of the region’s oldest Semillon vines. The result is a wine with intense citrus flavours, a backbone of minerality, and an ability to age like a dream. It’s a must-try for anyone serious about discovering the heights Australian whites can reach.
2. Vermentino (Heathcote, VIC)
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Vermentino brings all the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc but with a distinct Mediterranean vibe. Think citrus, green apple, and a touch of herbal complexity, all wrapped up in a wine that’s as breezy and enjoyable as a summer day. It’s a great pick for when you want something bright and lively with a bit of coastal flair.
Try: Chalmers Vermentino – The Chalmers family are trailblazers in the Australian wine scene, known for introducing Italian varietals to our shores, and their Vermentino is a standout. Sourced from their Heathcote vineyard, this wine is all about vibrant acidity and clean, refreshing flavours of citrus and green apple, with a slight salinity that hints at its Mediterranean origins. It’s a fresh, energetic wine that’s perfect for pairing with seafood or just sipping on a sunny afternoon.
3. Riesling (Clare Valley, SA)
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Clare Valley Riesling is a match made in heaven for those who love the sharp citrus punch of Sauvignon Blanc. With its electric lime and lemon zest flavours and steely minerality, it’s a wine that’s bursting with energy and refreshment. It’s also a fantastic companion to spicy dishes, where its acidity can cut through heat and richness with ease.
Try: Rieslingfreak No.3 Clare Valley Riesling – John Hughes, the man behind Rieslingfreak, and his wife Belinda are truly Riesling obsessive, and it shows in every bottle. Their No.3 Clare Valley Riesling is a classic example of the region’s style—think vibrant lime, green apple, and a streak of minerality that runs through it like a live wire. It’s crisp, dry, and utterly refreshing, making it a go-to for anyone looking to explore the best of Clare Valley Riesling.
4. Fiano (Riverland, SA)
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Fiano is the white you reach for when you want something with the fresh acidity of Sauvignon Blanc but a bit more texture and richness. It’s got citrus, pear, and a hint of nuttiness that adds an extra layer of interest. Fiano is versatile, food-friendly, and just a touch off the beaten path, making it an exciting option for adventurous drinkers.
Try: Unico Zelo Jade & Jasper Fiano – Brendan and Laura Carter, the duo behind Unico Zelo, are passionate about crafting wines that suit the Australian climate and lifestyle, and their Jade & Jasper Fiano is a brilliant example of that ethos. Sourced from vineyards in the Riverland, this Fiano is all about vibrant citrus and pear notes, with a hint of almond that adds complexity. It’s bright, textured, and incredibly drinkable.
5. Pinot Grigio (Mornington Peninsula, VIC)
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Mornington Peninsula Pinot Grigio offers all the bright, clean refreshment of Sauvignon Blanc but with a softer, rounder profile that’s incredibly versatile. Expect flavours of green apple, citrus, and a subtle mineral edge that makes this wine a crowd-pleaser in any setting.
Try: Quealy Pinot Grigio – Kathleen Quealy is a pioneer of Pinot Grigio in Australia, often referred to as the ‘Queen of Pinot Grigio.’ Her Mornington Peninsula vineyards produce some of the best examples of this varietal in the country. The Quealy Pinot Grigio is bright and zesty, with crisp green apple and lemon flavours, underscored by a refreshing minerality. Crisp, crunchy and lightly floral, believe it or not, Pinot Grigio can be interesting when you find a well made one!
There we have it!
Australia’s wine scene is bursting with alternatives to your beloved Sauvignon Blanc, each bringing something fresh and exciting to the table. From the electric lime zing of Rieslingfreak’s Clare Valley Riesling to the smash-me-back vibes of Chalmers Vermentino, these wines offer a world of flavours just waiting to be explored. So, next time you’re ready to shake things up, grab one of these bottles and let Australia’s diversity and its talented winemakers surprise you.