Highlighting small vineyards around New Zealand, the trio of wines below showcases interesting and delicious grape varieties, including Albarino, the star in the range. Nestled in the green pastures of Waimaku, The Hunting Lodge has a long and adventurous history, both as an actual hunting lodge in days gone by and now as a restaurant, beautiful barn venue and modern, experimental winemaking. Their latest, Seasonal Collection, is light-bodied, fresh and spicy. Read on to learn more, says wine writer Joelle Thomson.
The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Rosé Hawke’s Bay, $29
Rosé is soaring in popularity, and this 2023 variety is paler in colour than this popular summer choice. A blush pink, it takes inspiration from the south of France, where there is a long history of making dry, pale pink rosé. This is a lovely fresh example from Hawkes Bay. Dry, light-bodied, and anything but flavour – a great match with seafood on a warm day in great company.
Graze with: salted nuts
Serve with: smoked chicken with fresh micro greens in a leafy salad
Rating: 17.5/20
The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Albarino Marlborough, $29
Albarino is the name of a grape variety from the wet maritime climate in northwest Spain, where rainfall and humidity are both high. These conditions are similar to many parts of this country, which means that Albarino grows well here, developing depths of freshness in the same way a bracing swim has on the skin on a hot summer’s day. This is a fabulous 2023 variety and matches brilliantly with seafood because it’s light-bodied and citrusy, with saline characteristics and a lingering finish.
Graze with green olives
Serve with pan-fried white fish with green olive tapenade and fresh lemon
Rating: 18 /20
The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Lagrein Marlborough, $38
Velvety red wine with spiced plum flavours, a medium body, and many exciting aromas. This quirky 2021 red wine from the Lagrein grape, originally from northeast Italy, is relatively obscure – even there. It is also grown in a small way in New Zealand, and this local example offers interestingly different flavours of fresh, spicy red plums with a light touch of fresh, earthy aroma.
Graze with: chicken liver paté or soft cheese and crackers
Serve with: summer salad of roasted vegetables with harissa
Rating: 17.5/20
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