Matahiwi Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2016 $39.95
2016 was an absolute screamer of a vintage for the Matahiwi team, and there was absolutely no question that they’d be making a ‘Holly’ pinot that year. It went on to score a Gold medal at the 2017 London International Wine Competition and as soon as you sip it you’ll see why. Huge flavours here, masses of spice, intense cherry and plum and tamarillo-tastic notes. Banging acidity and bold tannins mean this will cellar brilliantly for years and years.
Sip with: lamb and eggplant stacks.
www.matahiwi.co.nz
The Hunting Lodge Gisborne Marsanne Viognier 2016 $25
This is a classic Rhone blend of two key varieties that are very tricky to get right, yet the Hunting Lodge kids have cracked it. Incredibly tasty and a total floral-fest on the nose, I love its apricot and jasmine notes, mandarin pith and lemony loveliness. Zesty acidity, incredible texture and deliciously pure, white fruits make it rather gorgeous!
Sip with: Baked prawn, feta and olive flatbreads.
www.thehuntinglodge.com
La Marca Prosecco D.O.C $24-$27
How stylish is this bottle? It shouldn’t matter I know, but it helps if it looks like money on the table right. Unlike many Prosecco’s on the market, it’s not sweet. In fact it’s deliciously dry, snappy-fresh, citrus-driven and has a light, ‘frizzante’ texture, so it doesn’t erupt in your mouth like a fizz-bomb. Instead it slides down like a softly-spritzy ribbon of loveliness.
Sip with: Linguine vongole.
www.advintage.co.nz
