Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on six of the best varietals reviewed over the past year.
As the kitchen fills with the rich aroma of a Sunday roast simmering in the oven and the fragrance of earthy vegetables and fresh greens, the anticipation becomes part of the meal itself. Great food, when paired with great wine, does more than nourish – it lingers and slows time down.
If it’s lamb, beef or game, cabernet sauvignon, syrah or pinot noir are the classic matches. For chicken, pork and seafood, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay or pinot gris will always sit well; the choice is yours!
Although meat dishes are traditionally matched with red wines, and seafood and poultry with white wines, whichever you prefer, or no matter the mood, there are plenty of options waiting to be discovered by the wine-crazed hordes.
Here is my selection that showcase six of some of the most popular varietals, from different wineries and regions, chosen for their quality, price and individually…
’19 The Landing Madre chardonnay
RRP $140
An outstanding mouth-filling premium wine brimming with depth and intense characters. Layers of ripe fruit, lifted by a vibrant and pure citrus, create a seamless balance that lingers elegantly on the palate. Serve with fresh seafood, smoked salmon, pork and pasta.
‘25 Villa Maria Woven sauvignon blanc
RRP $60
Bursting with citrus and delicate floral aromas this wine offers remarkable intensity on both the palate and texture. It is a stunning authentic expression of the very essence of Marlborough. At its best when paired with roast chicken, seafood and summer salads.
‘25 Spy Valley pinot gris
RRP $25
Enjoyable from the start. This buoyantly fresh and vibrantly mouth-filling fruity wine is finely balanced with delicate citrus and a lovely dry acidity, adding depth, personality and texture. Best served with veal, pork, sushi and Asian inspired dishes.
’21 Villa Maria Ngakirikiri cabernet sauvignon
RRP $150
This is an exceptional full-bodied classic wine delivering vibrancy and rich intensity layered with bold and assertive flavours, perfectly tempered by refined silky tannins. Will cellar long and well. Team up with beef, lamb cutlets, venison and casseroles.
17 Cloudy Bay Te Wahi pinot noir
RRP $125
A medley of aromas that awakens the senses, this is a pinot to be proud of. Flushed with a savoury bouquet and multi-layers of mouth-filling aromas makes this a seriously good and easy drinking wine. The perfect match when served with lamb, roast duck and game.
’21 Church Road TOM syrah
RRP $220
Game on, big and bold in strength and structure, this stunningly powerful and flavoursome wine performs magic and joins all the dots with its intense fruit, complexity and long elegant finish. This is syrah at its very best. Will age well. Pair with lamb, veal and venison.
