Auburn Wines Bendigo Riesling 2011 $30 With intense minerality and gorgeous honeycomb and lemon aromas it smells so incredibly inviting, followed by a burst of deliciously toasty, nutty richness in the mouth that’s edged with clean, tangy lemon meringue notes. This wine kept changing in the glass and had real personality and persistence on the finish. … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Auburn Affair…
I love the first line on the Auburn Wines website “We grow Riesling. We craft Riesling. We love Riesling. A lot.” A. Because it intrinsically explains why they chose to become New Zealand’s only riesling-exclusive winery, and B. They used the words “A lot” instead of the words “Bigtime”, “Totally” or “Fully” which they easily … Read More
An Escarpment Escapade…
One of my biggest fears when I first started judging at wine shows was that I’d have to sit next to a famous wine person and be expected to converse in a clever and intellectual manner. So when Larry McKenna himself sidled up as I stood at the bain marie attempting to grab a greasy … Read More
Renaissance Brewing Co. American Pale Ale
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
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
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
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
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
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
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