Lucky last in this trio of brilliant Autumn drinking, we are continuing the theme of us vs the world. Only in the nicest possible way of course, and whether you are rooting for the home team or for your favourite international superstars, you won't be disappointed.

The reds kick off with two of our favourite Tempranillos locally or abroad. The Mayford has been a stalwart of the Beechworth wine scene and represents one of the most authentic versions of the variety you will find in Australia while embracing an Aussie framework of lush fruits and easy-going sensibilities. It goes up against one of the newest producers in Rioja and the exciting next generation of winemakers making their mark in Rioja. Artukes will be known to many here, and they are producing some stellar wines from multiple plots all over Rioja.

Next up are two brilliant but very different versions of sangiovese. It's probably the one grape that has almost pushed into the mainstream here in Australia. It's been around for a while, and with such a strong Italian influence in the winemaking scene in Aus, that should probably come as no surprise. Gentle Folks version out of the Adelaide Hills is such a stunner; light on its feet, graceful and full of character. It goes up against a somewhat richer and powerful version from the sun-drenched Montalcino Hill in Tuscany. The Los Scorno Rosso from San Filippo is a beautiful introduction to the wines of the region and a great counterpoint to our local drop.

Last, we have nebbiolo. While gaining traction here, this varietal has proven to be a little more difficult than others. Its Pinot-like attitude to site and situation means finding the right spot for this somewhat temperamental varietal has been a rockier road. Well, despite those challenges, Denton in the Yarra seemed to have lucked out. This is a beautiful rendition of the varieta, albeit in a more ethereal and filigree version. So, the pair-up had to be right, and the Roero Nebbiolo from Correggia was the perfect choice. Roero's sandy soils present a more forward and lilting version of neb while retaining all those beguiling florals and earthy hits we love. This one might be the toughest of the lot to pick a favourite, but you'll certainly have fun doing it!

Eleana Anderson is the tempranillo whisperer, a natural when it comes to the Spanish grape. Brings a real sense of elegance and class to the '22, not the easiest of vintages. Gentle black cherry, plum, bramble, earth and dried herb aromas. A refined palate awaits, one sensitively managed by well-judged oak and fine tannins. A vinous picture of sophistication. (96) JENI PORT, Halliday Wine Companion

The framework here is substantial. So too the flesh. This is a wine of meat, bones, stuffing and gravy. It tastes of scorched black cherries, chicory, woodsmoke and cedar, though sweet spice and kirsch notes get guernseys too. The flavour here may be bold, and polished, but folded within it are arms of muscular tannin, and these guide the wine to somewhere grander. It’s a wave, this wine. It lifts and it carries. It’s a release of note. (95) CAMPBELL MATTISON, The Wine Front 

An excellent red with lots of cherries, plums, grilled herbs, peppery spices and touches of chalk and graphite. The slightly rustic tannins offer gravity and the energy and bright acidity make you want to drink more than one glass. Tempranillo and graciano. ZEKUN SHUAI, James Suckling

The 2022 Pies Negros is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from Ábalos in the Rioja Alta. Aged for up to 12 months in barrels and foudres, this purple wine displays elder and sour cherry notes with hints of violet and rose. Dry and chalky, the juicy, infusion-like palate unleashes its energy with a faintly grippy touch—a long-lasting, primary Rioja red. JOAQUIN HIDALGO, Vinous

SPECIAL BUY -  Halliday Wine CompanionA new addition to the Gentle Folk portfolio. Like the harmony and flow of precise choreography, this is an effortless, purposeful wine and commands pause. Potpourri and twig, sour red cherry and fired clay. Lessons in beauty and grace. But it is wilful; there is intent. The scent of watering the tomatoes in summer, dusk looming. Dried marjoram, oregano and soft leather. Powerful. The tannins are granular, complete and fine. We often talk about integrated structure in wine as a requisite for excellence, but this is something more fluid than a sum of parts integrated, it is metronomic balance. A very fine wine that transcends expectations. (96) KATRINA BUTLER, Halliday Wine Companion

Medium cherry red colour. Raspberry, red cherry, musk stick and crushed rose petal on the nose. Medium weight on the palate, a wonderful mix of red fruits with musk, rose and dusty earth all playing their notes in harmony as it flows along the palate. Tannins have classic sangiovese grip but stay in time with the fruit, ensuring a great carry and final dryness. Will evolve further in the cellar too. (96) STUART KNOX, The Real Review 

Nestled in the rolling hills east of Montalcino, San Filippo is one of the standout estates crafting wines of balance power, elegance, and age-worthiness. Founded in 1972, the estate has gained widespread recognition for its commitment to terroir-driven, expressive Sangiovese. In his time, Owner Roberto Gianelli has done an incredible job transforming his 10+ acre property,  no easy feat considering the company he keeps in one of the most sought-after locales on the Montalcino hill.

The Rosso from San Filippo is a fresher, more approachable expression of Sangiovese, offering vibrant red fruit and silky tannins. 100% estate fruit. Includes declassified fruit from the Brunello that doesn't make the cut so pretty flippin good gear going into a wine like this, that's for sure.

Lovely lifted nose with crushed dried flowers, woodsy notes, clove, and burnished spice over kirsch-like fruit and damson plum. The fruit is sumptuous and soft cut with superfine tannins and a lick of fresh leather. A combo of sweet and savoury with warmth and generosity. It remains fresh and plucky while delivering plenty of depth and drive to take it home. 

Various clones and two picks that were both fermented and left on skins. Pressed to 500L French oak puncheons (20% new) and left unsulfured for 18 months prior to bottling. A bright, medium garnet. Perfumed and poised on the nose with its bouquet of morello cherries, red plums, dried flowers, tobacco and orange zest. Even better on the medium-bodied and very persistent palate. Textured and long-finishing with very fine, polished tannins. Bravissimo! (97) PHILIP RICH, Halliday Wine Companion

Medium-light ruby colour with the faintest tint of purple in the meniscus; there are a dried flower and dried herb aromas, raspberry and pot-pourri as well, while the palate is medium-full bodied and backed by solid tannins. The flavour seems to drop away a bit soon while the tannins power on and on. Definitely needs food and will perform better with protein than solo. It's a pretty smart Aussie nebb, elegant and approachable right now. HUON HOOKE, The Real Review 

Red fruits, a bit of liquorice/aniseed, dried herbs, camphor, with cedar oak sitting on top, which is a minor distraction to all that perfume, though it should integrate with some time in bottle. It’s medium-bodied, quite stony with bright acidity, attractive sandstone tannin that Roero often delivers, with a lively finish of good length, some orange peel in the aftertaste. A good vintage for this wine. GARY WALSh, The Wine Front

The Correggia family are a small yet formidable force in the sandy soils of Roero, just west of the Tanaro River in Piedmont. After the tragic death of her husband, Ornella with help from friends propelled the wines of Matteo Correggia to even greater heights. She is now flanked by her children Giovanni and Brigitta and the wines have never looked better.