Renaissance Brewing Co. American Pale Ale

March 20, 2012By Yvonne

Renaissance Brewing Co. American Pale Ale 500ml $8 Fresh, clean, tangy and hop-driven aromas lead to a racy, malty mouthfeel and hints of bitterness on the finish.  It has interest, personality and length  – great stuff for these late summer afternoons.  www.renaissancebrewing.co.nz Renaissance Discovery American Pale Ale

Green Man Organic Premium Pils

March 20, 2012By Yvonne

Green Man Organic Premium Pils 500ml $8 A clean, delicate pilsner with soft, lifted, herbaceous aromatics and a smooth, refreshing finish.  I really like this beer because it’s brilliant with so many different food styles and it’s ultra-long on flavour.  Buy from www.greenmanbrewery.co.nz Green Man Organic Pils

Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009

March 20, 2012By Yvonne

Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009 DOC $17  If you’re looking for a sharply-priced, crowd-pleasing red that ticks all the boxes then it’s right here.  Plum, chocolate, spice – it’s not a blockbuster but there’s plenty of flavour going on here.  Available from www.labarrique.co.nz Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Bortolotti Prosecco

March 20, 2012By Yvonne

Bortolotti Prosecco $18  This is a lean, bony, delicate Italian sparkling that you should dive into immediately.  It’s a hand made, extra dry example from the Valdobbiadene in the hills north of Treviso and it’s just gorgeous with any recipes involving salty bacon or ham.   I love it!  Buy from www.mediterraneanfoods.co.nz Bortolotti Prosecco

Contea de Castiglione Barbaresco 2007

March 20, 2012By Yvonne

Contea di Castiglione Barbaresco 2007 $39  I’m loving this super-tasty, earthy, spicy Italian red because it’s a fantastic example of Nebbiolo that’s produced a lush, plummy and ribstickingly good wine.  Available from Decant Wines 03 3431945 Contea di Castiglione Barbaresco

Poderi Crisci Waiheke Island Viburno 2008

March 20, 2012By Yvonne

Poderi Crisci Waiheke Island Viburno 2008 $39  No, viburno is not some snazzy new variety that’s taken root on the island; rather it’s the name of a plant which is the symbol of the Mediterranean.  Viburno is an auspicious plant which apparently symbolises triumph and great promise; and it’s an apt name for this blend … Read More

Mediterranean Mecca

March 7, 2012By Yvonne

Mediterranean Mecca  view pdf of newspaper column… Nestled amongst panel beaters, plumbing firms and various other trade-oriented whatnot down the industrialised end of Tuam Street in Christchurch is a veritable oasis for anyone yearning for a Mediterranean wine and food fix.    The wine shelves at Mediterranean Foods are almost back to their bulging best following … Read More

Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV

March 3, 2012By Yvonne

Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV It pours into the glass like a cloud of yellow  diamond foam – aromas of cashew, brulee, hints of lemon, peach and a delicate smoky texture with pinprick-fine bead.

Palliser Estate Martinborough Methode Traditionnelle 2007

February 27, 2012By Yvonne

Palliser Estate Martinborough Methode Traditionnelle 2007 $37  With tiny, beaded bubbles, creamy, bouncy foam and beautiful texture, this sparkling has classic breadcrust, biscuit and intrinsically elegant dry citrus flavours which leap out of the glass.  Superb with freshly shucked oysters or tender, stir-fried prawns.  www.palliser.co.nz Palliser Estate Methode Traditionnelle 2007

Man O War ‘Tulia’ Blanc de Blanc Methode Traditionnelle

February 27, 2012By Yvonne

Man O War ‘Tulia’ Blanc de Blanc Methode Traditionnelle $53  Made entirely from chardonnay, I really like the aromas of salty, sea breezes and preserved lemon.  In the mouth it is rich, tangy and quite unique.  Only the second sparkling I’ve seen from Waiheke Island and signs for the future are solid – hooray!  www.manowarvineyards.co.nz Man … Read More