May I present three wines to get you through the last week of the Olympics ...
Matahiwi Holly Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2014
One sip and I punched both fists in the air and yelled "Jane Cooper is a genius!" Jane's been creating award-winning wines at Matahiwi since 2002 and
when it comes to making darn glorious sauvignon, she's a master. Intense nectarine, fresh mango and lime flavours smash across the palate. It's awesome.
Sip with sashimi, ginger and fresh wasabi.
Fontanafredda Asti DOCG
With its pillowy mousse, sweet, musky, candied aromas edged with spice and lemon, it's a tropical treat from Italy that'll have your mouth watering in no time. A demure 7 per cent alcohol means you can treat yourself to a couple of glasses over lunch without being sent sideways.
Sip with pear, blue cheese, candied walnut and rocket salad.
Blank Canvas Hawke's Bay Syrah 2014
Impenetrably inky in the glass, with a super-sexy sheen, I just wanted to devour it regardless of how it stacks up in the aroma and taste stakes. Often, to give syrah an aromatic boost, a splash of viognier is added to syrah (a la Cote Rotie). However, this peppery upstart has had 7.5 per cent gruner veltliner skins injected, giving an elegant, fleshy layer to the violet-and-berry-driven palate. Crazy, yes. Tasty, yes.
Sip with sticky, slow-cooked lamb shanks.
Yvonne Lorkin is a wine retailer, wine writer and member of the Wine Writers of NZ.
