Mumm Marlborough NV Brut Rosé

 

Champagne House GH Mumm - which dates back to 1827 - made a good choice when it selected talented and much-travelled Trina Smith to make its Terroirs sparkling wines across Australia and New Zealand. This pretty pink sparkler certainly impressed my tasting group this week with its vivaciousness; an ideal choice as an aperitif, or with finger food. Made from 100% pinot noir grapes from Marlborough, this is both floral and fruity, but finishes dry with intense, tight red berry/currant flavours to the fore, along with just a hint of shortbread biscuit. Plenty of length here, and plenty of fun. $45. 

Craggy Range 2024 Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc

 

Craggy Range is based in Hawke's Bay but this appealing sauvignon blanc is made from fruit sourced from the Te Muna Road vineyard in Martinborough. Most of the top Kiwi savvys come from Marlborough, but this is well worth looking out for with its intense palate and impressive minerality. I'm told the cooler climate of Martinborough aids its aromatic appeal and steely characters. Matured in a combo of stainless steel tanks and French oak barriques and puncheons that have added texture, it pairs well with everything from pan-fried scallops to a Thai stir fry. It also has more personality than a lot of its Kiwi siblings. Lovely stuff. $38. https://craggyrange.com/