While the summer weather lasts, chilled rosés and bubbles can be refreshing drinking - justthe thing to relax with on a warm evening or over a lazy lunch.
BEST VALUE
$20
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
An attractive, fresh rosé with hints of strawberries and redcurrants, a light texture, and a dryishfinish that makes it good with food.
BEST VALUE
$20
Three and a half stars
Good value
A pale pink colour, attractive with perhaps a hint of ginger, a fresh, undemanding flavour and a balanced finish.
$20
Three stars
Average value
Bright pink with hints of strawberry and, toffee, some texture and a simple, lingering finish.
$22
Three and a half stars
Average value
Made from merlot instead of the usual pinot noir, this has a different character from the others with hints of red currants, and a refreshing dryness on the finish that makes it good with food.
$20
Three stars
Average value
A trendy new duo of attractive sparkling wine made by Villa Maria, the S Series encompasses a sweeter, fruity muscat and a fresh light brut. Sealed with crown caps, they are aimed at the fun-loving set rather than wine buffs.
$48.50
Four and a half stars
Average value
A serious New Zealand bubbly, complex and stylish, with full-on flavours suggesting caramel, nuts, and yeasty, freshly baked bread and a lovely long, dryish finish. With so much flavour it's ideal for accompanying food.
ANOTHER GLASS
Neudorf Nelson Pinot Rosé 2012
$22.50
Three and a half stars
Average value
Pale pink with fresh, slightly floral aromas, zesty sweet fruit and an attractive creamy nuttiness, but 14% alcohol makes it hot on the finish.www.neudorf.co.nz
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot noir rosé 2012
$26
Three stars (out of five)
Below average value
A bright pink with hints of herbs, compost and roses on the nose, suggestions of berries, anda slight sweetness. The winemakers have extracted lots of flavour for a rosé, but its finish is hot and slightly unbalanced with high alcohol.
Lindauer Pinot Gris
$16
Three stars
Average value
Another in the popular Lindauer range of bubblies, this slightly sweet pinot gris from Gisborne has plenty of grapy flavour with hints of burnt toast, even if it lacks finesse. Easy drinking.
