There were 11 gold medals among the aromatics at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, not to mention the silver and bronze. Here are some of our favourites.

Gewürztraminer

A beautiful, full-flavoured fruit varietal that performs well in cooler climates, we recommend gold medal winner, Johanneshof Cellars Gewürztraminer, Marlborough. Aromas of jasmine, spices, rose petal and banana lead to a potpourri palate with lingering flavours of lychees and white chocolate. Silver medal winner Spy Valley Gewürztraminer offers powerful spice notes with ripe citrus and stone fruit - a textured and complex wine. 

Riesling

A highly perfumed grape of German origin, Peter Yealand's Riesling expression is well deserving of its gold gong. An off-dry style with citrus aromas and a hint of jasmine, well-balanced lemon and lime acidity with subtle honey characters. Silver medal winner Lake Chalice offers a medium bodied, naturally low-alcohol riesling, nicely balanced with fresh citrus flavours. The Roaring Meg Central Otago Riesling offers fresh flavours of fresh apples and aromas of cherry blossoms.

?