When you want a full-flavoured, full-throttle, full-bodied, full-on, full-speed-ahead red wine, then reach for First Drop’s Full Fat Red.

It’s an innovative and highly unusual Aussie blend, comprising Shiraz, Montepulciano (an Italian grape more famous in Abruzzo than South Australia), Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional (one of the classic Port grapes). The grapes are grown by their mates Darren in Seppeltsfield (Barossa), Caj in Adelaide Hills and Melissa and Joch in McLaren Vale. These are slow fermented and then matured on the lees (the spent yeast) in French oak for 17 months. Full Fat Red oozes berry fruit; think blueberries, black cherries, blackberries, blackcurrants and wild strawberries. But far from just being a fruit bomb, it’s supported by cedar, exotic spices, an earthy savouriness and super-classy texture. We don’t think there’s a better Aussie red on the market at this price point. Serve it alongside something full fat and comforting.

Set up by Essex boy Matt Gant and South Australian John Retsas, First Drop is part winery and part frivolous merrymaking in a ginormous warehouse abandoned by Penfolds. This duo crafts grapes grown by their friends into fun-loving and easy-going wines with remarkable distinction and texture, earning them a five-star rating from James Halliday. They also do this without using animal products in the fining process, making the entire range vegan friendly.