Everyone knows the story of Hannibal, the Carthaginian General and his epic journey by elephant over the Alps to attack Rome. Many will also be aware of his extraordinary victory over the Romans, at the battle of Cannae. But few know the reason why, following his decisive victory, he hung around southern Italy instead of attacking Rome. I think I have found the answer.

The wine.

And one from Puglia in particular, Edda.

I’m sure Hannibal would have supped on something similar while lazing around Capua. Intense and refreshing, not chardonnay, not sauvignon, not like anything you’ve ever had before. Grapes include principally Chardonnay, with some Minutolo – whatever that is, and Moscatello Selvatico, which is presumably muscat. It undergoes fermentation in French oak, which adds further complexity. Just the thing after a day of hand-to-hand combat.

So, where does Qantas fit in? Well, they have it on sale for under $30 where, I discovered, it rates 99 points.

Having reported a $1.83bn loss for 2021 (not surprising given the enormous decline in air travel over the last 18 months) Qantas is now discounting wine for their Frequent Flyers. And the Edda isn’t the only bargain.

I bought the red and white Halliday selections for roughly half price, at an average bottle price of $15.99, clearly under my promised $20 limit.

The reds are rated either 94 or 95 by Halliday, the whites, between 94 and 96. That’s right, mid-nineties for under $16.

My thoughts so far:

De Bortoli Estate Yarra Valley Vineyard, Pinot Blanc 2018

96 points and a delight. Reminded me of all the wonderful wines they make in the Alsace. It’s not as perfumed or alcoholic as the more famous Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines, yet it’s fresh, round, and welcoming. More like a Chablis. If you’ve never been to the Alsace I can thoroughly recommend it, particularly the medieval town of Riquewihr

Cullen Vineyard SB – Semillon 2017

Loved this one too. It reminded me of a Mount Mary Triolet – which is one of Australia’s best white wines. A classic Bordeaux white blend, you can almost feel the breeze across the Gironde.

Nikkal Yarra Valley Chardonnay, 2018

Halliday gave it 94 points. I don’t know why. Nothing exciting going on here as far as I can tell.

Risky Business Prosecco

95 points but I can’t comment. All I can say is that it made an excellent Aperol Spritz, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Salomon Dark Pearl Cabernet Blend, 2017

The only red I’ve had so far, and I’ve never heard of it. I assumed it was from W.A. It certainly tasted like a great Margaret River Cabernet. Lots of everything up-front, and intense in the middle, but, like many a movie, the ending wasn’t as good as the rest of it. A great C-S for Shiraz lovers. Mr Halliday awarded it a 95.

I recommend ordering some. Like hopping on a plane, it’s a form of exploration and if Qantas manage to sell another 10 million cases, they will be back in profit.