With warmer weather and longer evenings rosé comes into its own. It's lovely with light fresh food and the drier ones can be surprisingly versatile.
BEST VALUE
$22
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
A fresh, dark pink wine with hints of strawberry and raspberry, attractive weight in the mouth and a crisp, lively finish.
tohu.co.nz
$16
Three stars
Average value
A light wine, with light alcohol (9%) and light flavours hinting of cranberries and strawberries, this is made from merlot and pinot gris and has an attractive, dry finish.
villamaria.co.nz
$17
Three stars
Average value
A pale pink, light in alcohol (9%) and flavour with a soft sweetness and a very crisp, refreshing finish.
brancottestate.com
$22
Three and a half stars
Average value
A dark pink in colour with a light aroma, hints of strawberries and raspberries, full in the mouth, an off-dry, crisp finish.
aronuiwines.co.nz
$25
Four stars
Average value
Dark pink in colour, this wine hints of strawberries and raspberries, is densely flavoured with an attractive texture and lively finish. Delicious.
twodegrees.co.nz
$28
Four stars
Average value
This pinot rosé is fragrant with hints strawberries and other red fruits, off-dry with lots of flavour and charm.
domainerewa.com
ANOTHER GLASS
Drafters Gate Central Otago Cougar Juice Blush 2013
$25
Three and a half stars
Below average value
This unusual but attractive medium sweet rosé hints of light red fruits but has an attractive mouthfeel. flavour and texture, along with a firm finish. It's made from riesling grapes fermented on pinot noir skins which accounts for the firm texture. Only 24 cases were made.
draftersgate.co.nz
Sileni Nano Grenache Rosé Pays d'Oc France
$5 (185ml), the equivalent of $20 a 750ml bottle
Three stars
Average value
This single serve wine from southern France is made from grenache, and is a simple attractive rosé with a firmish finish.
sileni.co.nz