Something pink, something light and an old favourite
for under $10, hits the spot. Fizzy, refreshing, not too dry, not too sweet, with a suggestion of strawberry to the taste. A treat with fresh strawberries on the side or drop a cut one in to ensure the bubbles rise incessantly. And the strawberry tastes delicious afterwards.
In the USA it’s moscato, spritzers, wine in a can, orange wine and even blue wine. Here we don’t always follow international trends because we often can’t get the wines (have you even seen wine in a can?). But Kiwi wines are fantastic and trendsetters, too. When Marlborough’s vibrantly fruity sauvignon blancs hit the world stage everyone wanted it and now our generous pinot noirs, especially from Central Otago, are sought the world over. So I surveyed 100 Kiwi winemakers and drinkers to name wine styles they thought would trend this summer; the top three answers are on the board.
Pink is en pointe and comes in all styles from bone dry to sugary sweet in a number of grape varieties – commonly pinot noir from the South Island and merlot from the North Island. Grapes are crushed and gentle extraction of colour from the skins imparts the gorgeous hue. Winemakers have been known to colour white wine with a dash of red to make it pink – and why not?. The best pinks smell fruity and fragrant and taste fresh and delicious served from the fridge.
Top Pick: Esk Valley Hawkes Bay Merlot Rose 2016 (about $16) is bright, fresh and juicy with scrummy red cherry and earlyseason plum flavours, a touch of savouriness and zesty vibrancy. A multiple gold medal winner and champion rose´ at the New Zealand International Wine Show.
Lower drink-driving limits have seen producers respond and now entire shelves in supermarkets and wine stores are dedicated to this sector. As well as centuries-old Mosel-styled rieslings and Italian asti-styled bubbles, there are the new-wave sauvignon blanc, rose´ and pinot gris wines with 25 per cent less alcohol.
Top pick: Giesen Riesling 2015 (about $13), a blend of Marlborough and Waipara fruit, is 10% alcohol. Fantastically juicy, mouthwatering, medium sweet with vibrant flavours of honey, tropical fruit, stonefruit and tangerine. Multiple gold medal winner and champion riesling at the New World Wines Awards, serve icy cold on blue sky days.
Like flared jeans and paisley prints, chardonnay is back. Yes babe. The key is harmony, balance and seamless flow and while oak can be a key factor, it’s about winemaking finesse to let the marriage of oak and fruit sing. Creamy, buttery chardonnays are in, but serving temperature is paramount. Over chill it and you’ll kill it.
Top Pick: Clearview Estate Beachhead Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 (about $25) is crammed with juicy stonefruit and melon flavours with beautifully balanced toasty savoury oak vibes. Multiple gold medal winner and champion chardonnay at the New World Wine Awards.