Gewurztraminer has a similar rich, mouthfilling intensity to
pinot gris but generally has more character. It goes
particularly well with Asian food and especially dishes
flavoured with ginger. Some of the bigger, drier ones are
versatile with a range of dishes.
Rosés, well chilled, are ideal for summer. Make the most of
them while the good weather lasts.
BEST VALUE
Spy Valley Marlborough Gewurztraminer
2009
$23
A powerful, full-on style from this reliable producer. It's
fragrant with hints of eau de cologne, mint and roses, oozing
tropical fruit _ lychees and mangoes, but with a savoury
undertone, nd a rich, mouthfilling finish. Delicious.
www.spyvalley.co.nz
Good value
4 stars (out of 5)
BEST VALUE
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Gewurztraminer
2009
$23
Made in a late harvest, off-dry style, this is gewurztraminer
on steriods _ rose petals, lavender, mint, ginger and spice,
but it has a rich texture and balance, a firm, clean finish
that old it in check, and a lovely, lingering aftertaste.
www.saintclair.co.nz
Good value VVV
4 stars (out of 5)
Olssens Central Otago Gewurztraminer 2009
$24
A lighter style of gewurztraminer, typical of Central Otago,
with a hint of mineral among the mint and lavender, an oily,
mouthfeel and a bright, zesty finish.
www.olssens.co.nz
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
Brennan Gibbston Central Otago Gewurztraminer
2008
$28
Central Otago gewurztraminer has always shown great potential
and Sean Brennan demonstrates this here. It's more complex
and structured than most New Zealand ewurztraminers, with
hints of butterscotch, spice, mineral and a hint of
vegetable, but still
with the characteristic lychee, rose and mint, and savoury
undertones. Sip on a summer evening with a sweet, ripe
camembert style cheese.
www.brennanwines.com
Average value
4 stars (out of 5)
Mount Dottrel Central Otago Saignée Rosé 2009
$24
A pretty pink wine, perfumed with hints of cherries and
raspberries with a savoury undertone, a suggestion of nuts
and a nice, firm finish.
ww.mitrerocks.co.nz
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
Desert Heart Saingée Rosé 2009
$23
A pale pink, lightly fragrant wine with hints of strawberries
and a suggestion of nuts.
www.desertheart.co.nz
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
ANOTHER GLASS
Dry Gully Central Otago Gewurztraminer
2009
$23
Fragrant with hints of mint and lychees, intense and zesty
with a hot, powerful finish.
Average value
3 stars (out of5)
Greystone Waipara Gewurztraminer 2009
$27
From Waipara north of Christchurch, this wine is fragrant
with lychees, mint, ginger and lavender. It is medium sweet
with almost confected flavours, but with a nicely balanced
finish.
www.greystonewines.co.nz
Below-average value
3 stars (out of 5)
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate
preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective.
These are personal recommendations.
charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good
wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good
wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars -
outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you
with a sense of wonder.
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