Riesling divides wine aficionados. Some are simply not interested, others have a passion and fervour for the varietal that borders on hysteria. There are even international wine bars that serve only riesling. Enter Kerpen, from a revered Austrian family specialising in the varietal. This wine is from 70-year-old vines and is majestic, dry and unbelievably good ... riesling naysayers will be converted.
Price: $38 available At heraldwine.co.nz.
3. 2012 Bott-Geyl Gewurztraminer Les Elements
Alsace, France is known for its gastronomy, scenery and jaw-dropping aromatic white wines - especially a personal favourite of mine, gewurztraminer. Jean-Christophe Bott's family wine tradition dates back to 1695 and he has been running Domaine Bott-Geyl for 20 years. This wine has aromas of banana, ginger, butter, almond and orange with a touch of bitterness. It has purity and multi-layered textures ... magnifique.
Price: $40
