While many of us like to explore different still wines, we often go for the same old sparklers, but there's a variety of good bubblies out there.
Here are a few new ones worth a try, and a rosé for summer drinking.
Selaks Winemakers Favourite Methode Traditionelle 2006
(about $26)
A 75th anniversary release, this sparkling wine hints of manuka honey and nutty toast, but is crisp and bright, with mouthfilling finesse and a stylish, long finish.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Good value
(about $30)
Five years old and celebrating three generations of winemaking, this wine is mouthfilling with lovely yeasty fresh-bread aromas, hints of nuts and freshly baked biscuits, and a crisp, hint of citrus on the finish.
A stylish wine with great length.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Average value
(about $19)
A bright pink sparkler in the style of a spumante or sparkling muscat, sweet, grapy and suggesting fresh raspberries and strawberries.
Ideal for a frivolous summer afternoon or evening - serve well chilled with ripe strawberries.
- Two stars (out of five)
- Average value
(about $25)
Hints of nuts and fresh yeasty bread and mouthfilling bubbles, this wine has lots of flavour and a smart label.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Average value
(about $45)
A pale pink, with hints of strawberry on the aroma, lovely yeasty autolysis and a very long finish.
This new wine from Daniel Le Brun in Marlborough has all the finesse, complexity, balance and harmony we've come to expect from this producer whose family has been in the Champagne business for 12 generations.
- Five stars (out of five)
- Average value
(about $25)
A fragrant rosé made from the free run juice of pinot noir, this is no shrinking violet with oodles of redcurrants, watermelon and ripe plum flavours, and a touch of sweetness.
Ideal for sipping while lunching this summer at Amisfield winery at Lake Hayes.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
~ ANOTHER GLASS ~
Salvare Hawkes Bay Merlot Rosé 2008
(about $18)
A hint of stewed redcurrants and raspberries with a fresh lively finish.
Available online.
- Two stars (out of five)
- Average value
Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars - outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you with a sense of wonder.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
