Some of the more interesting New Zealand pinot gris is made in a savoury, full-bodied style perhaps influenced by the wines of Alsace, in France.
It's a change from the easier fruity style we are more familiar with here.
Gewurztraminer, also originally from Alsace, is made in varying styles, from an almost savoury, mouth-filling style to the overblown floral wines that ooze decadence, even if they are dryish.
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
Spinyback Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (about $18) is a lively, off-dry wine with a hint of citrus and stonefruit, a suggestion of nuts and butterscotch and a fresh finish.
3 stars (out of five)
Good value
Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Gris 2007 (about $23) is fragrant and lively with hints of tropical fruit, suggestions of nuts, and a bright, fresh, dryish finish .
4 stars (out of 5 )
Very good value
Waimea Nelson Gewurztraminer 2005 _about $22) suggests an odalisque's boudoir, reeking of rosewater and Turkish delight, an oily texture and dryish, hot alcoholic finish.
Overblown and irresistible with rosewater pastries or sticky spareribs.
3 stars (out of 5)
Poor value
Framingham Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2005 (about $27) is a bright wine that dances on the tongue, with a hint of spice, rose petals and eau-de-cologne mint; stylish, charming and mouth-filling.
Classic floral Marlborough gewurztraminer.
4 stars (out of 5)
Average value
Villa Maria Taylor's Pass Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 is a stylish wine that takes New Zealand pinot gris to a new level - complex and more about balance, texture and length, this hints of pears and nuts, and has a silky mouthfeel and long aftertaste.
A stylish wine that shows the possibilities of pinot gris.
4 stars (out of 5)
Averrage value
Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes Pinot Gris 2003 (about $36). From Alsace, this benchmark wine hints of honey, pipfruit, nuts and hay, but it's more about richness, texture, style, balance and persistence.
Something different but worth trying.
4 stars (out of 5)
Poor value
