La Linea Mencia Red 2022 by La Linea in the Adelaide Hills is a vibrant, mid‑weight Australian take on this Iberian variety, brimming with red cherry, plum and a savoury, spicy edge that feels both exotic and right at home in our cool‑climate hills.

In the glass, expect bright redcurrant, cherry and blood orange, with hints of crushed rock, pepper and dried herbs, all wrapped in a crunchy line of acidity and fine, gently grippy tannin. This La Linea Mencía 2022 is fleshy yet energetic, made for early drinking but with enough structure to keep it interesting from first glass to last.

It’s a cracking food wine with charcuterie, grilled lamb cutlets, chorizo, charcoal chicken, or a mushroom and roast‑veg tray bake, where that juicy fruit and herbal twist really sings. Also spot‑on slightly chilled alongside wood‑fired pizza or a rich, tomato‑based pasta – a brilliant option when you want something more characterful than your usual Aussie red but just as easy to pour.