Wine: 4 Sips for the week

CLOS MARGUERITE MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2009, $40

Soft spices and musky, pot pourri notes merge with japonica and cherry aromas in this elegant, restrained pinot noir. Velvety and flavoursome with a silky texture and savoury intensity on the finish.

www.closmarguerite.co.nz

CLOS MARGUERITE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010, $26

Ultra-fresh and boasting lovely aromas of lawn clippings, honeydew melon, fresh hay and wildflowers. Cleansing and mineral-driven in the mouth and a juicy, textural finish.

www.closmarguerite.co.nz

REKORDERLIG WINTER CIDER 500ml, $6.49

Drink chilled or hot, they said, so I did, and I've got to say I prefer it piping hot. The apple, vanilla and cinnamon notes morph into something resembling a spicy, liquid apple crumble in a glass and it's fantastic. When chilled this cider is very sweet and confectionary-like, but when heated it turns into a refreshing, tangy treat. Definitely a new winter favourite. Available from Liquorland nationwide

MANNARA PINOT GRIGIO 2010, $17

This is a superb example of Sicilian pinot grigio at a great price.

Classic, dry

texture with a vein of white peach, green olive and lemon notes intersecting the elegant, mineral-driven mouthfeel. Great stuff with salami, crispy bacon, capers and lemon zest tossed through pasta with fresh olive oil.

www.labarrique.co.nz