How many good wine lists are there in Canberra? A consequence of too much free time and nothing else to do?? One of the best is Caffe Della Piazza’s, which is about as user-friendly a list I’ve seen for ages. The majority of people will be more than satisfied by its ‘standard’ listing of thoughtfully chosen and well-priced wine, each of which is accompanied by a pithy, punchy little tasting note of boundless enthusiasm. Imported and Australian labels are presented together by style in a way that’s both interesting and effective. It’s to the cellar list, however, that most interested wine drinkers will quickly turn. It’s packed with little verticals of what are obviously favourite wines of the proprietors. You’ll find old Bannockburns, Henschke Rieslings, Hunter semillons, Prince Albert pinots, Coonawarra cabernets and an intriguing little collection of unusual varietals and blends from Australia and all over, including two vintages of a Grecian merlot. The prices are friendly and you’re certainly not pinged if you choose something with some real age.
