Wine Talk: Spicy Reds

Yvonne Lorkin.

Mills Reef Reserve Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2015, $24

I love the aroma of butterscotch, creamy peaches, buttered crumpets and on the palate expect exactly the same but followed by smooth, smoky notes, creamy citrus and gently tropical flavours that wash across a long, persistent finish. It's a satisfying, old-school style. millsreef.co.nz.

Seifried Nelson Zweigelt

Zweigelt is rare and rather crazy red wine that was purpose-built in 1922 by Austrian viticulture professor Fritz Zweigelt, from a crafty cross-dressing of St Laurent and Blaufrankisch. Now while you're still silently mouthing how to say the latter, the former is pronounced "zwhy - geld" (sort of) and according to Wikipedia, it's also known as Rotburger and should not be confused with Rotberger. Bold spicy red berry aromas and a kick of raspberry, liquorice, cranberry and pomegranate on the finish. Definitely different. seifried.co.nz.

Parusso Dolcetto D'Alba Piani Noce DOC 2013, $32

Spice, spice and more spice is what you'll get in every mouthful of this tasty Italian stallion. The Parusso estate is located between the Castiglion Falletto and Monforte d'Alba appellation of Barolo and Armando Parusso's son and daughter, Marco and Tiziana Parusso, have been making superb wines from the great Nebbiolo grape there since the 1980s. It's meaty, savoury and has some serious grip on around the back teeth " but you'll love it with rich rabbit ragu. vintners.co.nz.