Published NZ Herald Sat 5 Mar 2016
Tonight, after a 32 year wait, I finally get to see Madonna perform live. Madonna. Fizzing doesn’t begin to describe the feeling. How does that relate to my wine picks this week? Well I suppose one of them also happens to be white and Italian…
Cento Cavalli Grillo IGT 2014 $19
In a word, wow. On the nose it has quite the most seductive aromas of sweet lemon, white pepper and peach, all of which saturate through onto the palate. Named after Sicily’s ‘Hundred Horse Chestnut’ (which at over 2000 years old, is said to be the oldest known chestnut tree in the world), this snappy, sexy white made from native grillo grapes is elegant, stylish and completely unique. Pub quiz Fact: grapes have been growing on the island of Sicily for over 3000 years. www.macvine.co.nz
Pair with baked fish or grilled sardines/mackerel.
Aronui Nelson Pinot Gris 2015 $17
This is one of those ‘ticks all the boxes’ pinot gris styles that is guaranteed to keep the crowds happy. So if you’re planning weddings, parties or a book club banger then I’d suggest tucking a few bottles of this away. With its aromas of baked apple, nashi and squinty quince, followed by a ripe, powdery mouthfeel (it’s a touch warm on the alcohol side) and a crisp, tangy finish – it’ll put smiles on faces for sure. www.aronuiwines.co.nz
Pair with spicy pork.
Craft Farm Hawke’s Bay Gewürztraminer 2014 $35
After having been a consultant winemaker for some of New Zealand’s star producers since forever, Ant MacKenzie is finally unleashing his own branded wines and this makes me a happy girl indeed. This gewürztraminer, sourced from his Havelock North ‘Home’ vineyard is clean, bursting with guava, ginger and lychee-laden loveliness. Exotically scented, juicy to drink and blessed with a long, textural finish – it’s a new favourite for me. www.antswine.co.nz
Pair with pad thai.
