If you’ve been looking for groovy, interesting wines from faraway climes to satisfy your hankering for a hands-off, artisan approach, then stand by — hashtag “prayers” hashtag “answered” ...
Fuedi Lacryma Christi Bianco 2013
This wine reminds me of a sea breeze, all crisp, bracing and slightly briny. Lovely lemon
pith and peach notes underpin the chalky mineral layers, too. Made from Verdeca and Coda di Volpe grapes grown on the fertile lower slopes of Mt Vesuvius, the name "Lacryma Christi" comes from the story of when Lucifer fell from heaven - Christ was so upset his tears fell on the land and the grapes began to grow. Today the sides of Mt Vesuvius are scarred by lava flows and the lower slopes are extremely fertile and carpeted with vineyards.
Sip with: fresh fish 'n' chips drizzled with lemon and dusted with salt
Domaine Mas Theo Ferme Theolas 2012
If you wanted a crash course in what great-tasting "natural" wine tastes like - then here's your opportunity. Organic and bio-dynamically certified, this fantastic French blend of 40 per cent grenache, 40 per cent syrah and 20 per cent carignan has bright, sweet red cherry, boysenberry, smooth, peppery characters and a juicy, succulent mouthfeel. I love it.
Sip with: creamy, spicy lamb korma
Domaine Mas Theo Rosé 2014
Coming from several generations of grape-growers, it took until 1999 for Laurent Clapier to become the first winemaker in the family to take over the Domaine. Located in the middle of the Drome Provencale, the property has been certified organic since 2007 and bio-dynamic since 2011. This 50/50 grenache and syrah-blended rosé has had no oak, no fining nor filtration. It's crisp and clean, with hints of melon, tangelo and spice.
Sip with: roast kumara and prosciutto salad
Yvonne Lorkin is a wine retailer, wine writer and member of the Wine Writers of NZ.
