Italian cabernet sauvignon can be intensely fruity and this example from Ca' di Rajo, grown on the banks of the river Piave is exactly that. I love the dark plum and boysenberry characters which merge with tobacco leaf, vanilla, pepper and violets. Nicely structuredtannins elongate the savoury flavours and combine to create a stunning red that will fast become a favourite I'm sure. Enjoy with slow-cooked pork belly with black vinegar dressing. email Vicky@macvine.co.nz
Terra Sancta Riverblock Bannockburn Chardonnay 2014, $29
On the nose this is exactly my kind of chardonnay. Complete with a twang of ripe nectarine, buttered crumpet and fresh-cut grapefruit, it's a ripper of a wine. Solid citrus, juicy, tropical tones and layers of clean, toasty complexity, it demands to be tasted the next time you're given a fresh crayfish. terrasancta.co.nz
This snappy, zesty white crafted from 100 per cent cortese di gavi grapes, has gorgeous sweet, poached quince characters on the nose and ripe pear, nashi and zesty spicy florals in the mouth. Incredibly complex and characterful, it's a wine with real verve and vavoom and it rocks with caramelised onion, roast beetroot and feta tartlets. federalmerchants.co.nz
