TOP SPARKLING WINE

2019-10-17 -

Akarua Brut NV (Central Otago)

-2 $35 ★★★★★

BUILDING A WINE business for the love of the land is not undertaken for immediate rewards; it requires skill, patience and commitment before recompense, but then the Skeggs family has never shied from long-term investments. They purchased their first vineyard in Bannockburn in Central Otago in 1996 and founded Akarua, however it wasn’t until 2009 that they initiated the sparkling wine programme. Bringing it to life required a further step up in commitment, so for technical expertise they engaged the late Dr Tony Jordan, one of the world’s most renowned sparkling wine experts. “It was a real leap of faith and one that could not have been achieved without the expertise of our partner, Dr Tony Jordan, who founded and guided the programme until his untimely recent passing, ” says Kathryn Petit, General Manager of Akarua.

GROWING SUCCESS

Expanding their vineyard holdings has enabled the winery to meet the demands of growth while building the sparkling base wine programme and remaining 100% estate grown. The vineyards have been carefully developed and sensitively farmed with 82 distinct parcels identified. This dedication is certainly paying off with Akarua claiming both the first and second position in this tasting.

Crisp and fresh with a delicate bubble this wine is precise with a focussed and elegant structure. The complex flavours of ripe citrus, stone fruits, honey and toast are creamy yet beautifully balanced.

2 / Akarua Rosé NV (Central Otago) ★★★★★ -2 $38

A light copper-coloured wine with initial restraint that opens up to a cacophony of aromatic florals and fruits. The palate is generously filled with classic berries and cream, toasty baking spice and caramel underscored by a fine line of acidity.

3 / Petit Cordon Prestige NV (Marlborough) ★★★★★ -2 $34.95

In collaboration with Maison Mumm, Pernod Ricard has developed this New Zealand sparkling with delicate lemonlime and vanillin aromas. The palate is beautifully weighted, creamy and toasty with a deliciously chalky finish.

4 / Hãhã Brut Cuvee NV (Marlborough) ★★★★★ -2 $21.99

A wine with a richness that defies the price tag. The ripe berry-fruit aromas are supported by a creamy mousse that provides texture to a juicy palate of citrus and white peach. The finish is reminiscent of roasted chestnuts. 5 / Spade Oak 2016 Blanc de Blancs (Gisborne) ★★★★★ -2 $30

A refreshingly crisp style with a white floral bouquet sustained by a mousse that dances across the palate. Luscious lemon-lime and white peach flavours are layered in a creamy, textural palate. Cloudy Bay Pelorus Rosé NV (Marlborough)

★★★★ -2 $44.99

A delicate salmon-hued rosé with fresh berry aromas and a lovely bead. This gently weighted wine continues to grow through the palate with fresh red berries, toast and eastern spices that provide both structure and finesse. Jansz Tasmania Premium Rosé NV (Australia) ★★★★ -2 $26

A delicate crimson-coloured rosé with a soft mousse and delicate red-berry aromas. Summer-ripe stone fruit, citrus and warm toast reveal a wine with a generous sweet fruit profile which strikes the perfect balance with a dry finish. (C) Tohu Rewa Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc 2015 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $39.99

A bright lemon-coloured wine with a persistent bead. Aromas of lime flower and gunflint yield to ripe citrus flavours which brighten the soft creamy and toasty notes. A polished and structured style with an elegant finish.

Akarua Vintage Brut 2015 (Central Otago) ★★★★ -2 $50

Brilla Prosecco D.O.C NV (Italy)

★★★★ -1 $26 (D)

Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C NV (Italy)

★★★★ -1 $20.99 (A)

Daniel Le Brun Brut NV (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $29.99

Daniel Le Brun Vintage 2010 (Marlborough)

★★★★ -2 $39.99

Hãhã Brut Rosé NV (Hawke’s Bay/marlborough)

★★★★ -2 $21.99

Hunter’s Miru Miru Reserve 2015 (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $38.90

Hunter’s Miru Miru Rosé NV (Marlborough) ★★★★ -2 $38.90