Every July, people start talking about Dry July. Around here, though, our boss Steve hears 'dry' and immediately starts thinking about wine.
Dry whites. Dry reds. Crisp, refreshing drops that keep you coming back for another glass.
If you've ever spotted the word 'dry' on a wine tasting note and wondered what it actually means, you're not alone. Contrary to popular belief, a dry wine isn't one that dries out your mouth - it simply means the wine contains very little residual sugar, resulting in a beautifully crisp, less-sweet style.
So, in honour of Steve's favourite month of the year, here's a quick guide to some of our favourite dry wines and also top picks for this month with special prices! If Steve had his way, these would be in everyone's trolley this month.
Dry White Wines
Some of our go-to dry white varietals include:
- Scarborough Yellow Label Chardonnay A true Hunter Valley classic. It’s rich, round, and beautifully structured, balancing bright white peach and nectarine flavors with a touch of French oak, toasted cashews, and a smooth, creamy finish.
- Yellow Tail Semillon Sauvignon Blanc The ultimate easy-drinker. This vibrant blend marries the zesty lemon-lime freshness of Semillon with the tropical passionfruit and guava notes of Sauvignon Blanc for an ultra-crisp, refreshing drop.
- Taylors Estate Riesling Crisp, elegant, and packed with life. This Clare Valley favorite delivers intense, zesty flavors of fresh lime and lemon blossom, backed by a soaring, tantalizing acidity that finishes incredibly clean.
- Oyster Bay Pinot Gris Delightfully expressive and perfectly balanced. Expect a beautiful lineup of ripe pear, stone fruit, and soft floral aromas, wrapped up in a medium-bodied style with a crisp, refreshing crunch.
Dry Red Wines
When it comes to dry reds, these are some of the classics:
- Penfolds Max's Cabernet Sauvignon Bold, structured, and polished. It’s a classic South Australian Cabernet packed with dark fruit flavors like blackberry and cassis, layered with subtle herbal notes and smooth, fine-grained tannins.
- Fat Bastard Shiraz Don't let the fun name fool you - this is a seriously good, full-bodied drop. It is rich and intense, bursting with juicy dark berries, sweet spice, and a velvety smooth finish that punches well above its weight.
- Yalumba Y Series Pinot Noir Light, bright, and incredibly food-friendly. This approachable Pinot Noir is full of fresh cherry and red berry aromas, paired with a touch of spice and soft, silken tannins that make it a breeze to drink.
- Little Giant Barossa Shiraz Big, bold, and brilliantly Barossa. Encased in its iconic stump bottle, this robust red serves up rich plum and dark chocolate notes, wrapped in warming spices and a long, satisfyingly dry finish.