The Good Better Best selection makes choosing a bottle easy, no matter the occasion.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to swap light, summery wines for rich, warm and inviting bottles. From cool-climate Syrah and sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc to an aged ruby
GOOD
Easy wines for everyday moments.
Chiarli Lambrusco Rosso, $16.99
The Detail: Lambrusco, the lightly sparkling red of Emilia-Romagna, is best served well chilled. Ruby-red in the glass with a delicate fizz, it’s fresh and lively with bright berry fruit, gentle acidity and a slightly savoury edge.
Perfect For: An autumn aperitivo. If summer is Aperol Spritz season, autumn is Lambrusco Rosso’s time to shine. Pour it over plenty of ice with a splash of soda and a slice of blood orange for a vivid red aperitivo (see recipe, below).
Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir, $17.99
The Detail: Don’t let the name fool you – this Languedoc Pinot Noir delivers French finesse without the price tag. Silky and fruit-forward, it has dark cherry and juicy strawberry notes with a hint of vanilla and spice.
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Advertise with NZME.Perfect for: An impromptu midweek pour. This is the bottle to open when dinner is being delivered, or you’re pulling together a quick charcuterie board. It’s reliable, elegant, and well-balanced.
BETTER
Special wines without going all out.
Grant Burge ‘Petite Bubbles’, $18.99
The detail: A bright sparkling Méthode from South Australia’s Barossa region with a fine stream of bubbles that lives up to its name. Fresh and approachable, it has zesty citrus, white peach notes and a polished, dry finish.
Perfect for: Easy entertaining. Sparkling that works just as well for a spontaneous catch-up as it does alongside simple share plates.
Brookfields ‘Back Block’ Syrah 2024, $22
The detail: A masterclass in Hawke’s Bay Syrah from one of the region’s oldest boutique wineries. Back Block is impressively layered, offering blackberry and plum fruit with quintessential cool-climate cracked pepper and a velvety, lingering finish.
Perfect for: The main event. This is the Syrah for a candlelit dinner, pairing beautifully with slow-cooked meats, braised lamb, or roasted autumn vegetables. A wine for evenings that call for friends, flavour, and a touch of ceremony.
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For the moments worth savouring.
Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc, $34.99
The detail: From Marlborough’s prestigious Rapaura region, this Sauvignon Blanc is bright, poised, and elegant. Notes of citrus and white florals are balanced by a subtle mineral thread and lively acidity, with a polished, restrained finish that’s more refined than tropical.
Perfect for: The elevated long lunch. When the table is set with linen and the menu is thoughtfully planned out. Try it with pan-seared snapper or a delicate goat cheese tart.
Sandeman Founders Reserve Port, $49.99
The detail: Autumn in a glass, this premium ruby port from Portugal’s Douro Valley is deep in colour and full of vibrant fruit. Aged in oak casks, it tastes of ripe black cherry, plum, warm spice and a touch of vanilla. The palate is full and smooth, with a richness that suits cosy evenings.
Perfect for: The final act. A delicious reason to linger at the table once the plates have been cleared. Serve it slightly chilled alongside a wedge of blue cheese, roasted nuts or a dark chocolate fondant as the evening winds on.
AUTUMN HOSTING MADE EASY
Pair this sparkling red wine spritz with an elegant snack plate
The Lambrusco Spritz
A moody, ruby-toned update on a classic spritz, swapping the usual prosecco for Lambrusco Rosso, Italy’s sparkling red wine. The result is a sophisticated and grounded cocktail, trading citrus sweetness for deep, berry-forward fizz.
Ingredients
100ml Chiarli Lambrusco Rosso
A splash of Select Aperitivo liqueur
50ml soda water
A thick wheel of blood orange and a sprig of fresh rosemary, to garnish
Method
- Fill a large wine glass or a highball with plenty of ice.
- Pour over the Lambrusco, then add the Select Aperitivo.
- Top with soda water.
- Give it a gentle stir to combine the vivid violet hues.
- Garnish with blood orange and rosemary.
Whipped Feta with Charred Grapes & Honey
For your next autumn gathering, swap the usual dip for whipped feta topped with sweet, lightly charred grapes, toasted walnuts and a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
300g feta cheese
200g Greek yoghurt
Drizzle of olive oil
Squeeze of lemon juice
Red grapes
Handful of walnuts
Drizzle of honey, seeded crackers, to serve
Method
1. Heat oven to 200°C.
2. Whip feta and yoghurt with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth.
3. Toss grapes with olive oil and salt, then roast for 15 minutes until blistered.
4. Toast walnuts in a dry pan until golden.
5. Spoon grapes over the whipped feta, drizzle with honey, and finish with walnuts.
6. Season with cracked black pepper and serve with crackers.
*Find the Good, Better, Best display in all good wine stores.
