The Magnificent Seven
Recently I was fortunate to judge the Dish Magazine NZ Sparkling Wine panel for their Christmas Issue. It was just brilliant to find some absolute treasures amongst the top rated bunch that are world class, easy to find in wine shops and supermarkets, AND they’re also fantastically affordable. And that’s exactly what we need this time of year right? I’ve chosen my top seven sparkly sips that’ll rule in your yule…
- AKARUA CENTRAL OTAGO BRUT ROSÉ NV ($37) (5STARS)
With its pretty pale pink hue and scents of strawberry shortcake, this wine is an instant showstopper. Lifted florals, red berryfruits, fresh, nutty complexity and a pretty, pillowy texture made a clear favourite from the outset. I was totally seduced.
- DANIEL LE BRUN BLANC DE BLANCS 2011 ($39.99) (5STARS)
I love this wine! I also love the aromas of macadamia, creamy brioche, rich stonefruit, its multi-layered, biscuity notes in the mid-palate and its long, seamlessly elegant finish. Winemaker Andy Petrie is one seriously talented young thing when it comes to creating mouth filling, magical sparkling wine.
- DEUTZ CUVÉE BLANC DE BLANCS 2013 ($32.99) (5STARS)
An exotic, enticingly rich, nutty methode which boasts beautiful breadcrust and shortbread aromas alongside bold acidity and solid, textural length. It’s full, rich and toasty, like the aromas inside a French bakery.
- LINDAUER SPECIAL RESERVE BLANC DE BLANCS NV ($21) (5STARS)
Deeply fragrant with sweet brioche and beautiful yeast autolysis characters and a fresh, lemony mid-palate produce a wine which is sophisticated and stylish and a classic example of 100% chardonnay. It’s seriously classy.
- TE HANA SPARKLING ROSÉ CUVÉE NV ($19) (5STARS) AMAZING VALUE
Lovely berry brioche aromas leap from the glass of this extremely toasty, complex and very Champagne-like wine. Apple and hints of cherry gave it real personality. Here’s a widely available sparkling rosé that’ll definitely win friends and influence people.
- DEUTZ PRESTIGE CUVÉE 2012 ($32.99) GOLD MEDAL (5STARS)
This is one alluring wine. With roasted orchard fruits, toasty, nutty bouquet and long, rich finish make it an absolute rockstar that should be on your try-before-you-die list. It’s great to see a New Zealand icon just get better with age.
- LINDAUER CLASSIC ROSÉ NV ($15) GOLD MEDAL (5STARS) AMAZING VALUE
With its very persistent mousse, creamy, berry shortbread aromas, rich, generous flavours and deliciously nutty complexity, it’s jawdropping that you can buy this for just $15 (and often less) Lindauer should be given ‘National Treasure’ status.
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Here are three bold and beautiful wines with ‘summer dayz’ written all over them …
Fickle Mistress Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2016 $25 (3.5 stars)
I’m really not a fan of frilly, femme-driven labels and packaging, but the wine inside more that makes up for it. Rich, cherry-laden and loaded with red berry and blossom notes, it’s full, generously proportioned and fun. She’s not necessarily that elegant, but she’ll definitely show you a good time.
Widely available.
Domaine Paul Buisse Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $29 (4 stars)
Grown in the heart of France’s Loire region, this is a typically soft, fleshy sauvignon that’s stitched together with basil, hints of baked green capsicum and lime. Naturally concentrated and juicy, with tongue-prickling textural loveliness and a long, freshly floral finish. It’s so unlike what we in New Zealand are used to with sauvignon blanc that I just had to show you the style that the French have been appreciating for aeons. Soft and sophisticated
www.wineseeker.co.nz
Domaine Testut Rive Droit Chablis 2015 (4 stars)
The winery is pronounced ‘Test-Too’ and in ancient times the vineyard was tended by Cistercian monks. These days the 13ha site is run by the young and very dapper Cyril Testut (who calls their kid Cyril these days?). The instant hit of white nectarine and lemon on the nose alongside a sexy whiff of sea breeze and hot stones expresses Cyril’s care and attention to detail. The acidity is delicately poised, pure and plucky; whilst the creamy, leesy undertones give this boutique Chablis delicious depth and personality. Serve with Chinese five-spiced pork steaks.
For stockists contact Dhall & Nash Fine Wine on 09 357 0493
