A smattering of some terrifically tangy white wines that'll stretch your taste buds a tad this week.
Kaimira Estate Nelson 'Iti' Brightwater Riesling 2015, $21
Iti indicates something small in Maori, and the Kaimira team use it to reflect the petite alcohol level of 10 per cent. Exuberant, punchy andpacked with lemon, lime, mandarin and crunchy apple characters - there's nothing 'iti' about the flavours. This certified organic wine is an ultra-crisp and tangy taste sensation that'd work outstandingly well with slivers of hard, salty sheeps' milk cheeses drizzled with honey. kaimirawines.com
Cantina Gallura Piras Vermentino DOCG 2014, $22
From vermentino grapes grown in the granite soils of coastal Sardinia, this bone dry but beautifully structured wine has a huge lift of lemon and white peach on the nose followed by a slice of samurai sword-like acidity. I'm hoping to see more vermentino here because it's superb to sip with freshly steamed shellfish, sashimi or Asian or Island style raw fish salad. artigianoimports.co.nz
Bellbird Spring 'Block Eight' Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $30
This is a beautifully aromatic, organic sauvignon grown on Waipara's 'Glasnevin Gravels'. It shows soft, finely tuned oak influence, elderflower, white peach and lemony characters. It's a stunning exercise in restraint with all the flavours and textures working in harmony. Sip with fish steamed with lemongrass and coriander. bellbirdspring.co.nz
