Wines For Unpredictable Weather

Summer is slowly sauntering into sight, albeit with a few winteresque days. Sip back, relax and savour the changeable season alongside these drops from Foley Wines. 

IT'S ALL WHITE

What wine signifies sunshine more than a crisp and refreshing sauvignon blanc?

Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc has been a Fine Wine of New Zealand for five years in a row and the latest vintage picked up the Champion Sauvignon Blanc and Gold Medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2022 and the Champion Sauvignon Blanc and Gold Medal at the Marlborough Wine Show 2022. Flaunting fresh herbs, tropical fruit and bright citrus notes, it makes for a perfect pairing with spicy chicken straight off the BBQ or a simple chilli crudo. 

Leading the way in vineyard sustainability, Grove Mill’s Pinot Gris 2022 is produced near their established wetlands in the Wairau Valley. Taking the Pinot Gris Trophy at this year’s Marlborough Wine Show, it’s energetic and dry, with a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity – think nashi pear, juicy red apples and citrus with a hint of spice. Imbibe on its own or enjoy alongside oysters or freshly caught fish – this Pinot Gris pairs exceptionally well with seafood for salty nights to be savoured. 

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ARE YOU REDDY?

Received a last-minute lunch invite? Bring along a bottle of Te Tera Pinot Noir 2021 and you’ll be the toast of the town. A contemporary iteration of the iconic Martinborough Vineyard, Te Tera wines are made with the same handcrafted discipline as their famous founder. This particular pinot is expressive and vivid, with dark cherry and strawberry notes alongside red plum flavours. With balanced acidity and excellent varietal character, it’s a categorical crowd pleaser. 

While red wine might not be your traditional summer drop, Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir 2021 is a great go-to when temperamental weather turns. As Te Kairanga’s flagship pinot, it is an excellent example of why pinot noir lovers get so excited about Martinborough. With an elegant bouquet of black berry and cherry, exotic spices and finely seasoned oak leading to a full flowing palate, this sophisticated drop is made for long lunches and decadent dinners. 

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Savour something special from Central Otago’s leading artisan winery with Mt Difficulty Ghost Town Bendigo Pinot Noir 2017, handcrafted in very limited quantities from Mt Difficulty’s Bendigo Vineyard. 

Dark cherry and wild berry flavours sit alongside lashings of brown spice, giving this earthy palate an elegant acidity with subtle notes of dried herbs and lavender. Marry this rich red with a hearty steak, or for a memorable gift that keeps on giving, give it as a present to cellar for 8-12 years for deeper development. 

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