Italy’s leading grape varieties have an established home in the King Valley, including the ever-popular pinot grigio. This example of the grape is bright with citrus and pear on the nose and freshness from the nose to the palate with a crisp, mineral finish. When given more time to develop in the glass, the wine shares a greater depth to its expression. Ripe red apple, nashi pear, and hints of sherbet on the nose. From a weekend BBQ to a plate of spaghetti marinara over candlelight, it’s a flexible food wine that is sure to please.

Matahiwi Estate’s Wairarapa pinot gris is all about capturing the purity of fresh fruit in the bottle. Nothing beats enjoying the beauty of a wine region in person, but knocking back a glass or two would surely come a comfortable second. With musky aromatics, juicy apples and ripe pear tones bolstered by generous and balanced spice and a powerful body to boot, this really is Kiwi pinot gris in a nutshell. This ‘drink now’ style is certainly showing its best while young and (we think) paired with Moules Marinieres (that’s French for creamy, garlicky mussels) and hunks of oven toasted breadstick. Did someone say lunch in the sun?

This chardonnay is peachy, flinty, rounded and ready for a good time, packing all kinds of punches in a sensationally smashable outfit.

Padthaway is undoubtedly an underdog region. Not for lack of quality or passion, which comes in bucketloads here. Head inland to find this little gem of an area where the limestone and sandy soils cover the landscape: the beating heart of some outstanding value wines. Consider yourself warned, mofo: deals like this should not be taken for granted.