I have been sitting on several reviews for bubblies, waiting for December when demand really takes off. Of course, fizz fans will say that any time is a good time for bubbles, but the festive mood does heighten the excitement. I’ve unashamedly gone all Kiwi, as we do it so well. First up Marlborough’s only methode traditionelle Prosecco alongside three Methode Marlborough offerings, the Hunter’s Miru Miru now sporting its new livery. And we can’t leave Central out of the mix so a quartet of local wines may be in high demand for Xmas. 2024 Balvonie Methode Traditionelle Marlborough Prosecco Price RRP $34.99 Rating Excellent Fine aromatics, apple, citrus elements, fruit sherbet nuances, fragrance growing with air time bringing delightful jasmine, honeysuckle and lime zest influences. Carries those notes on to the palate, a touch of peach also, then oatmealy/ biscuity notes arrive. That fruit sherbet- like aspect adds real lift and freshness. Good mousse, a great all-round package. www.balvonie.nz NV Hunter’s Miru Miru Methode Traditionelle Price RRP $32 Rating Excellent Delightful nose, white flowers florality, white peach, a lightly savoury/umami quality, bready yeast influences. Nicely rich in the mouth, peach and yellow fruit touches, that Marmitey/ umami quality a fine line through the palate. Now hints of nectarine and citrus, bright, fresh acidity, lovely length, simply great drinkability. Can’t go wrong with this. www.hunters.co.nz NV Saint Clair Dawn Methode Marlborough Brut Price RRP $65 Rating Excellent to Outstanding Gorgeous yeast autolysis notes beginning a wonderful umami journey, bran biscuit, a creamy aspect, peach, just so engaging. Fine mousse, fills the mouth, continues that journey begun on the nose, fresh, warm baguette and a deeper register emphasising its depth and power. Elegant, refined, quite serious, now with a little lemon zest adding to the freshness. www.saintclair.co.nz NV LV by Louis Vavasour Methode Traditionelle Price RRP $59 Rating Excellent Hints of smoke, a fascinating wilder quality. Butter smeared on warm baguette, biscuity nuances, less about fruit, more about all the other characters, umami as it opens. Mouthfilling, a touch of ink, bread dough, savoury qualities the core around which citrus, bread and white peach revolve. There’s power that would be a great food companion, opening up with air. www.lvwine.co.nz Mora Central Otago Methode Traditionelle Brut NV Price RRP $45 Rating Excellent to Outstanding Quite expressive nose, warm bread smeared with Marmite-like umami notes, now bran biscuit, now flecks of citrus. Powerful palate, lovely intensity yet still light on its feet, that umami/savoury character an ever- present undercurrent, while apple and stone fruit nuances join the fray. Nicely poised, I find myself just wanting to drink this rather than go on a descriptor hunt. www.mora.co.nz Ruru Tinkering Central Otago Methode Traditionelle Brut NV Price RRP $38 Rating Excellent Grows in the glass rather well, building notes of warm baguette, umami and grapefruit. Crisp acidity, very fresh and bright, that grapefruit citrus energising the palate. Initially a sense of tautness, then the palate fleshes out with bready, savoury notes and wisps of apple, capturing my attention. I suspect that this would work incredibly well with food. Lovely drive. www.ruruwines.co.nz Mora Central Otago Methode Traditionelle Brut Rose NV Price RRP $45 Rating Excellent Almost a smoky nuance, umami notes to the fore, stone fruits leading, now hints of strawberry, a deeper register to this. The fruit intensity also evident on the palate, backed by a little chewy grip. Real generosity of flavour while remaining nicely balanced, fine mousse. Feels like a good each way bet, excellent by itself but also likely to support food well. www.mora.co.nz NV Maude Central Otago Methode Traditionelle Price RRP $42 Rating Excellent Elegance and subtlety, melding bready/biscuity qualities with flecks of citrus, the background savoury aspects become more Marmitey/umami with air. Flitting between white peach and nectarine, honey on warm baguette. Fresh, bright, vibrant, the savoury undercurrent framing the close. Now honey-on-toast on the nose, the yeast autolysis notes to the fore. Lots to enjoy. www.maudewines.com
