But where to start? Here’s a great selection of warming winter reds that won’t break the budget.

2012 De Bortoli Villages Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, $20

De Bortoli makes creating delicious pinot noir for $20 look easy. Their Villages Pinot Noir shows soft red cherry, earth and gentle spice with light dried herbs and a soft, savoury, lightly tannic finish. Great with pan-fried gnocchi and mushrooms.

2012 Gran Sasso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Italy, $14

This has to be one of the best value imports going around. The Gran Sasso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has oodles of freshness and is packed with red and black spiced and dried fruits on the palate with gentle, grippy tannins. Perfect Friday night pizza wine.

2012 Stone Dwellers Sangiovese, Strathbogie Ranges, $25

What a little find this is! It’s all soft, maraschino cherry, redcurrant and dried thyme, oregano and tomato leaf, with layered, savoury complexity on the palate. Its mellow acidity and smooth tannins make a great foil for a simple plate of assorted charcuterie.

2012 Montevecchio Rosso, Heathcote, $23

The Chalmer’s family’s Montevecchio wines highlight the joyful simplicity of co-fermented Italian varietals. The Rosso is a blend of Shiraz, Nero d’Avola, Lagrein, and Sagrantino, bringing lush raspberry, blueberry and sour cherry Danish notes to this vibrant, gently spicy wine. Try with a lamb tagine.

2012 Yalumba Old Bush Vines Grenache, Barossa Valley, $20

If there was award for consistency, Yalumba should get it. Their Old Bush Vines Grenache shows dense red and black fruit – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and a hint of savoury drying herbs, with soft dusty tannins; beautifully balanced. Great with a warming Beef Rendang.

2012 SC Pannell Tinto, McLaren Vale, $25

Winter blues getting to you? Here’s a wine to brighten your day. SC Pannell’s Tinto is made of a blend of Grenache and Touriga Nacional and offers bright, plump red fruit to feast on, building momentum on the palate with loganberry, concord grape, loads of fruit spice and gentle grippiness. Pair with pappardelle oxtail ragu.

2010 Wine by Brad Cabernet Merlot, Margaret River, $18

Celebrating its 10th year, Wine by Brad makes classic Margaret River wines without the price tag. The Cabernet Merlot shows blackcurrant, black plum, fresh herbs (oregano, marjoram), and lots of cedar and vanilla spice. Pair with beef cheeks and polenta.

2012 Seppelt Victorians Shiraz, Heathcote, $15

After 150 years of winemaking, Seppelt still creates wines that show its dedication to quality, even at the lower end. Their Victorians Shiraz has notes of strawberry, cinnamon and black pepper spice with a touch of leather, and ripe integrated tannins. Perfect for winter Sunday roasts.

2012 Chateau Pegau ‘Cuvee Maclura’ Cotes Du Rhone, France, $20

Chateau Pegau delivers great quality at a fraction of the neighbouring Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s price. Made from mostly Grenache, but also Syrah, Mouvedre and Cinsault, the Cuvee Maclura shows layered raspberry, raspberry leaf and earthiness with dried herbs and lots of chalky tannins. A great match for Osso Bucco.

2012 Butch Morgan Shiraz, Barossa Valley, $20

Butch Morgan is the second label of Izway Wines, the joint venture between Torbreck winemaker Craig Isbel and Brian Conway. True to form, it displays concentrated notes of ripe strawberry, black pepper, sweet spice, milk chocolate and gentle ripe tannins. Great with a classic pepper steak and fries.