I often get asked an interesting question:

"Angelica, what are the best red wines under $30?"...gosh, what a loaded question... obviously it all depends on your taste. 

So, when someone asks me this, I revert to wines I know are 'everyone friendly'..as in, they aren't too weird or funky, they aren't too oaky, they aren't too spicey they aren't too juicy, they are just easy to drink for everyone and anyone. They are crowd pleasing red wines. 

Terra Noble Reserva Pinot Noir $24.95

Textbook pinot noir. It tastes very similar to the wines out of Central Otago but tastes a lot cleaner. It's a burst of cherry on the nose and a soft and elegant, smoky finish with mouthwatering acid and light tannin. Delicious little wine and one that satisfies even the most fussy of wine drinker. 

Elysian Springs Spring Lamb Syrah $24.95

I call this baby Grange. John Duvall used the Syrah from this vineyard for 11 years straight when making Grange in what I, controversially, call it's hey day. Year on year, this wine gets better and better. It's made in the elegant syrah style which more and more Australian's are starting to enjoy for everyday drinking rather than the big, juicy, overly oaked styles of wine we've become accustomed to. 

Sensi Collezione Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC $19.99

Our most loved Italian wine varietal. I still believe it's because it tastes similar to a soft Shiraz. It's also lighter in alcohol (13%) so I find a lot of people who suffer from drinking red wine can drink this without issue. I've lost count of the amount of emails I receive that say "Thanks Angelica! I haven't been able to drink Red Wine until now!" This is a good entry point to red wine and suits almost everyone's palate. 

Spanish Story Garnacha DO Rioja $24.95

Spanish wine is finally getting it's day in the sunshine. I've found Tempranillo is touch and go with some people but when I've showcased this Garnacha, everyone is left smacking their lips and saying "mmmm that's good! What's that?" This wine has all wonderful oak integration, acid and a palate of purple berries that leave you wanting more. A must try. 

Red Deer Station GSM $24.95

This premium quality Grenache (47%), Shiraz (28%) Mourvedre (24%) shows bright fruit, extroverted aromas of sweet fruit, dried sage and herbs, and a grippy, pepper and herb finish that echoes the wine's aroma. Medium bodied with a savoury edge, it's a true food friendly wine and a great example of this classic, rhone style wine.

Sensi "Campoluce" Organic Chianti $24.95

A little more full bodied than most Chianti's. Not only is this wine organic but it packs a punch with a burst of red fruit, a spicy note and still has the characteristic leathery, earthy style that Chianti is renowned for. 

So there you have it...the best everyone-will-love-these red wines. Test them out for yourself and see how you go with your friends :)