We’ve all been there. Dashing into the supermarket in sand-crusted jandals, scanning the wine racks for this evening’s sip, onion soup sachets and cans of reduced cream gripped to your chest.
The vibe of the night hinges on this wine decision. We feel you, and so does New World. So, lucky for us, the New World Wine Awards are officially published just in time for summer plans, crowing the 50 best drops available on our shelves.
Here are the best, reasonably priced wines to nab this summer for $25 or less (while stocks last).
Trapiche Pure Black Malbec
2022
If you’re not drinking Malbec already, it’s time to get in line. A natural choice for existing red-lovers and a surprisingly convincing one for those on their way to being on, Malbec ticks all boxes.
This example from Argentina’s legendary Trapiche winery (established in 1883, FYI) is exactly that. Its flavours are bold, yet not distracting. Tannins are there, but the drop still feels silky smooth. The flavours are fruity, but not sweet. And, it’s as sippable on a hot summer’s day (seriously, just a light chill is needed) as it is a cosy, stormy evening.
Thornbury Waipara Pinot Gris
2024
We love a same-year drinkable vintage. Even better, when it’s a Pinot Gris where you can taste the freshly-bottled sunshine. Even even better, one that blends the sweetness we love from Pinot Gris with kisses of fruits and flowers.
With intense (in a good way) notes of Poached pear, fresh jasmine and a white floral bouquet, you might find yourself reaching for the scrumptious Thornbury Waipara Pinot Gris 2024 in lieu of your summer perfume.
Image credit: Urban List
Church Road’s Chardonnay
2023
Name a greater come-back story than Chardonnay, we’ll wait. Church Road’s 2023 Chardonnay is an absolute banger, and a must grab in your next supermarket swoop.
This wine is unabashedly itself: bold, toasty, buttery, kinda creamy even—like all the good old-school Chardonnays. It’s this self-confidence that landed the 2023 Chardonnay as New World’s White Wine champion this year. How’s that for a metaphor for life?
We don’t know what gave Chardonnay its wonky rep over the last few years (actually, we do: poorly picked house bar wines and PTSD from Aunt Cheryl at family barbecues). But we’re pleased to report, this one is solid proof that local vineyards are bucking this trend.
Triplebank Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc
2024
New Zealanders + Sauvignon Blanc = a great love affair. It’s been said that Sav drinkers are notoriously attached to their favourite drop, but we’d bet that Triplebank Awatere Valley 2024’s fruity, intense and tart-when-you-want-it-to-be character will convince them otherwise. That, and the fact that it easily pairs with savoury foods, nibbles, and sweet somethings.
Church Road Syrah
2021
Another banger from Church Road (the only winery to scoop up two top awards this year, no less) is the 2021 Syrah: Champion winner of this year’s Red Wine Category. It’s both full-bodied and full of fruit—with a hint of florals. So basically, it’ll taste just like an opulent, candle-lit, velvet-sprawled, banquet dinner scene straight out of Downton Abbey. Oh-la-la, we love it.
Image credit: Urban List
Lindauer Special Reserve Rosé
NV
The unofficial guest of honour during any summertime trip to the bach is Lindauer. Sparkling, consistent in quality, effortless to pair—she really is the life of the party.
This summer, we vote that you give their Rosé, the Special Reserve Rosé NV, a spot in your drinks rotation. The creamy notes (and delicate, mousse-like bubbles) make it a good base for pairing with sweet or savour bites. And the touches of strawberry and tiniest hint of almond give it an extra ability to pair well with cheeses and any classic festive desserts.
The Hunting Lodge Expressions Sauvignon Blanc
2023
Have you met Hunting Lodge’s nifty Expressions range? It’s a collection of much-loved local wines, which are whipped up into totally different, taste bud smacking ways.
Case in point, this Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It’s not a shy, sharp wine with a *hint* of flavour. Instead, the Expressions take on Savvy is impossibly vivacious. Baked fruits, a splash of acidity, a pinch of herbs, mangoes and passion fruits, in a huge mouth-filling palate. A flavour bomb, really.
Will roam to whet your whistle? Check out:
- The Most Delicious Cocktail Trends To Jump On This Season
- The Best Bars In Auckland To Sip At
- Every Watering Hole To Hit On Your Next Wellington Bar Crawl
Main image credit: Urban List