Arneis (pronounced are-nays) is a white grape from Piedmont in northwest Italy, where it makes a dry white with hints of pears and almonds. Arneis is said to mean "little rascal" because it's difficult to grow, but there are now some attractive New Zealand versions.
BEST VALUE
$12
Three stars (out of five)
Good value
A mature wine, almost tawny in colour, oozing toasted, buttery nuts and golden syrup but with a crisp, dry finish. It's drinking well now and demonstrates how the character of chardonnay changes as it ages.
$22
Thre and a half stars
Average value
Made from arneis, a variety originally from Piedmont in Italy, this is a mouth-filling dry white with hints of stewed apple and almonds, suggestions of toast and oatmeal and a lively finish.
$28
Three and a half stars
Below average values
Fragrant with hints of nectarine and white-fleshed peaches, an underlying hint of mineral, oatmeal and nuts, and a bright lingering finish, this is made from viognier, a white grape variety from the Rhone Valley in southern France.
$32
Four stars
Average value
A stylish, well balanced wine, rich and mouth-filling with suggestions of tropical and citrus fruit tempered by hints of caramel and toasted nuts, a silky texture and long crisp aftertaste.
$38
Four and a half stars
Good value
Made from 30-year-old vines, this classic chardonnay is elegant and understated, with complex aromas and flavours, but it's the texture, balance and powerful finish that mark this as such a stylish wine. It will develop for several years.
$49
Four and a half stars
Average value
On of the country's most distinguished chardonnays, this is about complexity, texture and balance rather than overt fruit flavours. There are hints of candied peel, almond and marzipan, but it's rich, mouth-filling, tightly structured and very dry.
ANOTHER GLASS
Craggy Range Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2010
$32
Three and a half stars
Below average value
A stylish wine, fragrant and zesty with hints of nectarines, underlying suggestions of creamy roasted nuts, textural, well structured and restrained, with a crisp finish.
Sacred Hill Marlborough Chardonnay 2011
$23
Three stars
Below average value
Hints of peach and nectarine with buttery, nutty undertones and a crisp, dry finish.
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Arneis 2011
$24
Three stars
Below average value
A mouth-filling wine with a hint of stewed apple, a suggestion of citrus and nuts and crisp acidity on the finish.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
Check out the wine reviews on www.odt.co.nz for more wines from this tasting.
