By Duane Pemberton

Leave it to the Aussies to take a popular varietal and find a way to ignite it into a fun, tasty package that’s sure to have mass appeal. The 2009 “Frisk” wine is a Riesling with a splash of Muscat Gordo tossed into the mix.

The Alpine Valleys – where the grapes are grown – has elevations up to 2000 feet. The vines tend to hold onto whatever minerals they can pull out of the ground and that really comes through nicely in the wines.

Technical Data:

• Grapes: 84% Riesling and 16% Muscat Gordo
• Alcohol: 8%
• Region: Alpine Valleys
• Price: $10

Nose: Lemon-drop candy, zesty lime, kiwi and a nice hint of grapefruit and the “tropics” in general.

Taste: Bubbly lemon-lime action that graces the front palate with a barrage of citrus. Excellent acidity make this an incredibly food-friendly wine. I love the finish and would pound this wine all day long during the summer (or really anytime I can get my hands on it). This is an exceptional Riesling and frankly, could be the best one I’ve had anywhere at anytime for $10 – it’s a total no-brainer and one I’d highly recommend to anyone.

W.E.P. Rating: 150%

On the web: www.friskwines.com

Australian winery, d’Arenberg, has been producing wines in the McLaren Vale region for a long time and uses vines that are well over 100 years old. For many Aussies, they are a go-to brand that have and should continue to offer quality wines for generations.

One of its higher-end wines is the Sticks and Stones blend that incorporates Tempranillo, Grenache and two grapes I’m sure a lot of folks haven’t heard of – Tintacao and Souzao – both of which are Portuguese varietals.

• Varietal Composition: Tempranillo 45%, Grenache 38%, Tinta Cao 10% & Souzao 7%
• TA: 6.9g/L
• pH: 3.44
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Fermentation: Cultivated yeast fermentation in cement and stainless steel vessels
• Oak Maturation: 10 to 12 months in French and American oak
• Price: $40

Nose: The smell of high-school pottery class while eating a handful of raspberries, gooseberries and cherries.

Taste: Tart rhubarb that’s been dusted with red dirt and modeling clay. The mid palate does have some of the nice red fruits I picked up in the smell, however, the finish on this wine is very jacked up for me – not feeling it at all. Yeah, hot finish, very bitter and too short – I’d avoid this wine like the plague right now. Sticks and Stones may only break bones but this finish is gonna kill me.

W.E.P Rating: 20%