Good-value wines are not the sole preserve of corporate giants.
Good-value wines are not the sole preserve of corporate giants.
Kiwis love a bargain, with nearly 60% of groceries sold on special. So, it’s no surprise the shops are full of discounted wine brands. But what about the labels that are sharply priced from the start?
The bargains here are from small or medium-sized, typically familyowned producers, proving that good-value wines are not the sole preserve of corporate giants. Looking at my tasting notes, I see many of the best buys from last year are pinot gris, suggesting this early-ripening variety thrived in 2018’s hot, sunny summer.
Durvillea Marlborough Rosé 2018
Looking for a good, highly affordable, dry rosé? Made from equal portions of pinot noir and pinot gris, grown in the Awatere Valley, this pale-pink wine is fragrant and full-bodied (13% alc/vol), with strong, peachy, spicy flavours, hints of watermelon and apricot, good freshness and delicacy and a fully dry finish. $15
Eradus Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018
This aromatic, strongly varietal wine has fresh melon, lime and greencapsicum flavours. It’s crisp and punchy, with some riper, tropical-fruit notes. Full-bodied (13% alc/vol), it’s a forthright young wine, delivering good value. $17
Hãhã Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2018
Offering smooth, easy drinking, this is basically a dry style. Fragrant and fleshy (13.5% alc/vol), it is vibrantly fruity, with generous ripe stonefruit flavours, balanced acidity and good delicacy, harmony and depth. $18
Terrace Edge Liquid Geography North Canterbury Riesling 2018
As a medium style of riesling for drinking young, this hand-picked Waipara wine is hard to beat, especially at the price. Fragrant, it is medium-bodied (12.5% alc/vol), with concentrated, ripe, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, gentle sweetness, finely balanced acidity and a rich, long finish. Certified organic. $20
Toi Toi Clutha Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018
Exuberantly fruity, this deep-ruby, full-bodied red (13.8% alc/vol) is already delicious. Packed with vibrant, plummy, gently spicy flavours, woven with fresh acidity, it has good density, soft tannins and loads of drink-young charm. $25