Gewurztraminer has a similar rich, mouthfilling intensity to pinot gris but generally has more character. It goes particularly well with Asian food and especially dishes flavoured with ginger. Some of the bigger, drier ones are versatile with a range of dishes.
Rosés, well chilled, are ideal for summer. Make the most of them while the good weather lasts.
BEST VALUE
$23
A powerful, full-on style from this reliable producer. It's fragrant with hints of eau de cologne, mint and roses, oozing tropical fruit _ lychees and mangoes, but with a savoury undertone, nd a rich, mouthfilling finish. Delicious.
Good value
4 stars (out of 5)
BEST VALUE
$23
Made in a late harvest, off-dry style, this is gewurztraminer on steriods _ rose petals, lavender, mint, ginger and spice, but it has a rich texture and balance, a firm, clean finish that old it in check, and a lovely, lingering aftertaste.
Good value VVV
4 stars (out of 5)
$24
A lighter style of gewurztraminer, typical of Central Otago, with a hint of mineral among the mint and lavender, an oily, mouthfeel and a bright, zesty finish.
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
$28
Central Otago gewurztraminer has always shown great potential and Sean Brennan demonstrates this here. It's more complex and structured than most New Zealand ewurztraminers, with hints of butterscotch, spice, mineral and a hint of vegetable, but still
with the characteristic lychee, rose and mint, and savoury undertones. Sip on a summer evening with a sweet, ripe camembert style cheese.
Average value
4 stars (out of 5)
$24
A pretty pink wine, perfumed with hints of cherries and raspberries with a savoury undertone, a suggestion of nuts and a nice, firm finish.
ww.mitrerocks.co.nz
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
$23
A pale pink, lightly fragrant wine with hints of strawberries and a suggestion of nuts.
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
ANOTHER GLASS
$23
Fragrant with hints of mint and lychees, intense and zesty with a hot, powerful finish.
Average value
3 stars (out of5)
$27
From Waipara north of Christchurch, this wine is fragrant with lychees, mint, ginger and lavender. It is medium sweet with almost confected flavours, but with a nicely balanced finish.
Below-average value
3 stars (out of 5)
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations. charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars - outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you with a sense of wonder.
