Spread your style-sense across the wines you serve. Pop the cork. Twist the cap. Fash! On!
Earthkeepers Otiake Blend #1 2013 $30
Here’s a gorgeously floral, delicately structured blend of pinot gris, riesling and gewürztraminer grown in the Waitaki Valley, one of the most unforgiving wine regions in the country. Aromas of crushed shells, lemon pith, nashi pear, lychee, guava and white peach all lead to a juicy, spice-driven, richly textured and rather moody, magical wine. It looks as brooding and mysterious as it tastes.
Sip with: Spicy saag paneer
For stockists ph John Brown 021762684
Ernesto Catena Padrillos Malbec 2014 $24
A label shouldn’t sway one, but merry-go-round ponies scampering on a pale blue background? Who can resist? ‘Padrillos’ means ‘stallion’ in Spanish, named after the wild herds that appeared in the dreams of Argentine winemaker Ernesto Catena. Grown under the searing Mendoza sun, this Malbec oozes fresh plum, intense blackberry and lavender alongside concentrated, ripe red fruits, leather, cocoa and baking spices on the palate. Smooth, fleshy and flash.
Sip with: Grilled garlicky lamb chops
Rockferry Brut Non-Vintage Chardonnay Pinot Noir $35
Made from from organic vineyards owned by the Hutchison family, this blend of 60% Marlborough chardonnay and 40% Central Otago pinot noir is a rich, nutty, citrus-edged sparkling that has beautiful, biscuity complexity on the finish. Fine and elegantly structured, it’s a magic méthode that tastesas it looks.
Sip with: salmon blinis
