This month’s pick of the bunch

1 LINDAUER SPECIAL RESERVE ‘CUVÉE RICHE’, $15

While sparkling wines can be bottled with crown seals (like beer), part of their fun is that celebratory “pop” when opened… enjoy this medium-sweet fizz as a refreshing treat at the end of a meal.

2 2017 GIESEN ESTATE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC, $15

One advantage of screwcaps is that they maximise aromatic freshness – what better wine to showcase that than a zingy, zesty Marlborough sauvignon blanc? A burst of summer in a glass.

3 2016 KUMEU RIVER ESTATE CHARDONNAY, $30

Owner and winemaker Michael Brajkovich MW is an ardent proponent of screwcaps. He also makes some of the country’s best chardonnays. The Estate is their mid-tier, delivering the house style of poise and harmony in a fresh and approachable manner.

4 2016 DOMAINE DES MALANDES PETIT CHABLIS, $32

Chardonnay-producing Chablis is one of the few French regions with high-profile producers embracing screwcaps. This is a delicate wine with citrus and peach notes and a touch of food-friendly savouriness.

5 2014 PROPHETS ROCK ‘HOME BLOCK’ CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR, $65

Winemaker Paul Pujol feels cork allows this beautifully structured, highly expressive, layered and complex red to best open up. Delicious now but built for the long haul. Fear not, as Paul also chose a special Diam cork, free from taint.