Eden Sparkling NV

Eden Sparkling NV $14.99 or $22 for 2  Pretty, ballet-shoe pink in the glass and created from Moscato grown in Gisborne, this new sparkling has soft berry and citrus aromas, a refreshing, tangy citrus-like sweetness and a crunchy-fresh finish.  Fans of Asti-style wines will love it because far from being fizzy lolly-water, the Eden has real [...]

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

Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV

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

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

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 [...]

Mission Estate Fête Hand Harvested Cuvee NV

Mission Estate Fête Hand Harvested Cuvee NV $23 Fête is French for ‘party’ apparently and a splash of pinot gris injects a fruity, tropical, nashi pear note into this wine which will definitely please the crowds.  It also has an interesting nutty, textural finish.  Following on from the legendary 1963 ‘Fontanella’, the ‘Fête’ was designed [...]

Corozo Estate Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Methode Traditionnelle 2007

Corozo Estate Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Methode Traditionnelle 2007 $22  Exceptional value for money.  Elegant.  Enduring  and absolutely one of the most excellent examples on the market.  Aromas of rising dough, lemon mousse and toasted brioche are followed by pinprick acidity, clean, delicate texture and amazingly robust, nutty, mineral notes on the finish.  Amazing.  For [...]

Wright’s Vineyard ‘Entity’ Methode Traditionnelle 2010

Wright’s Vineyard ‘Entity’ Methode Traditionnelle 2010 $25  Made entirely from chardonnay, this is an organically produced Blanc de Blanc from Gisborne’s Ormond Valley, and if you’re expecting something frilly and feminine – forget it.  This fizz reflects the ‘chaos factor’ of family life for Geoff and Nicola Wright as they work hard to maintain their [...]

Methode Acting…

For Richard Riddiford of Martinborough’s Palliser Estate “there are some occasions where only bubbles will do” and I agree with him wholeheartedly.  Over the last twelve months I’ve immersed myself in surfeit of sensational New Zealand sauvignon blanc at the Wine Marlborough Weekend, tantalised my tastebuds with lashings of luscious, lime-laden rieslings at the Summer [...]

Wright’s Vineyard Entity Methode Traditionnelle 2010

Wright’s Vineyard ‘Entity’ Methode Traditionnelle 2010 $25  Made entirely from chardonnay, this is an organically produced Blanc de Blanc from Gisborne’s Ormond Valley, and if you’re expecting something frilly and feminine – forget it.  This fizz reflects the ‘chaos factor’ of family life for Geoff and Nicola Wright as they work hard to maintain their [...]