Wynns heads in an unexpected direction

Take another look. Your eyes are not deceiving you. 

Meet a colourful new wine range from Wynns Coonawarra Estate, reliably excellent producers of fine wines, but also traditional and quite conservative. 

The mainstay of Wynns is the classic gables labels - and a range of stellar cabernet-driven reds. But the winery has released a new tier of wines that represent a creative renaissance of Wynns’ pioneering years.

Dubbed "Reframed", the tier comprises four new wines that are described as "an artistic, contemporary take on classic Wynns’ varietals, styles, winemaking, and wine occasions". 

“Our new Reframed wines give us licence to approach varieties in different ways using unusual varietal combinations for Coonawarra and the Limestone Coast,” says Wynns winemaker Sarah Pidgeon.

“We’re taking the knowledge and experience of the Wynns team and putting a modern twist on our traditional winemaking practices by exploring new ways to express our beautiful grapes. We’re picking earlier for freshness with barbecues, beaches, picnics, and casual occasions in mind. 

"We’re blending in unexpected ways to build interest and texture, and we’re bringing a lighter touch to winemaking by using little or no oak to maintain the freshness and aromatics of each wine.

“As the Coonawarra region’s pre-eminent wine producer, we’re pushing boundaries to innovate and create new varietals that spark intrigue and are either unique or hard to find, attracting a new generation of wine explorers. But rest assured, the quality of these wines is classic Wynns.” 

The "Reframed" wines are: Wynns 2021 Reframed Coonawarra Cabernet Rosé: Wynns 2021 Reframed Limestone Coast Fiano, Pinot Grigio, Arneis 2021; Wynns 2021 Reframed Coonawarra ‘Rogue Vines’ Shiraz Riesling 2021 and Wynns Reframed 2021 Coonawarra Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. 

My take: I was sent samples of the Fiano/Grigio/Arneis blend and the Shiraz/Riesling to try and must say they are unlike any Wynns wines I have tried before; thoroughly modern in style. 

Both are light-hearted without being lightweight; immediately accessible and ready to enjoy on release.

The slightly rebellious Italian white blend is both fresh and textural and would pair well albacore tuna and eggplant, while I matched the idiosyncratic floral and energetic shiraz/riesling with a veal stew and turmeric rice. Unusual, but excellent. 

These wines are perhaps not for traditional Wynns drinkers, but they open up the brand to a younger audience.