Sparkling wine comes in many styles, from easy drinking, to lean and elegant, and even fully flavoured with nutty, yeasty, biscuity characters.
Allan Scott Les Joues Rouges brut nv
$26
Three and a half stars (out of five)
good value
A cheerful bright pink bubbly with floral aromas and hints of raspberries, strawberries andplums, a suggestion of nuttiness and a fresh, crisp finish. Easy to drink.
$49
three and a half stars (out of five)
below average value
From the now defunct Hakataramea vineyard in the Waitaki, this sparkling wine hints of apple and honey with restrained fruit, a hint of nuttiness and a dry, austere but elegant finish.
$48.50
four stars out of five
average value
Golden in colour, this is a full-on sparkling wine, oozing lovely autolysis - hints of biscuits, marmite, nuts and yeasty bread - with a slightly toasty, long finish. Not for the faint hearted but delicious nevertheless, and good with food.
$37
four and a half stars (out of five)
good value
Light aromas but the most heavenly flavours suggesting lime, tangerine, marmalade, and exotic fruits, the sweetness held in restraint by the texture, intensity and balance of acidity. Delicious, stylish and will develop over probably a decade.
$28 (350ml bottle)
four stars (out of five)
average value
A lovely botrytised wine oozing honey and dried apricots, with hint a lime and lemon marmalade, concentrated and unctuous, but still retains a delicacy and lovely balance.
$35 (350ml bottle)
three stars (out of five)
below average value
Lively hints of honey and dried peaches, intensely sweet with a suggestion of citrus and just enough acidity.
ANOTHER GLASS
Allan Scott Cecilia Marlborough Brut
$29
three stars (out of five)
below average value
A pale pinkish gold sparkling wine, with a light nuttiness on the nose, hints of stonefruit andmineral, a savoury undertone and fresh finish.
