Matahiwi Estate Blanc de Blanc NV – Going, Gone Deal

Blanc de blanc means 'white from white' and is made exclusively from white grapes, creating a more delicate and refined style than traditional sparkling blends. This Matahiwi expression showcases the pure elegance of this method with its creamy texture and bright fruit flavours. The brioche notes come from extended lees contact during production, adding complexity and that signature biscuity character that distinguishes quality blanc de blanc from simpler sparkling wines.

Hawke's Bay's warm days and cool nights create perfect conditions for developing the bright acidity essential in sparkling wine production. The region's diverse soils and maritime influence help retain the fresh fruit flavours like melon and nectarine found in this wine. While Hawke's Bay is famous for reds, its cooler vineyard sites and skilled winemaking have established it as a serious sparkling wine region, as evidenced by this wine's multiple awards.

NV stands for Non-Vintage, meaning this sparkling wine blends grapes from multiple years to achieve a consistent house style. This approach allows Matahiwi to balance different vintage characteristics, creating a more complex and reliable flavour profile year after year. Non-vintage sparkling wines often offer better value than vintage expressions while maintaining quality, making this $12.50 bottle an exceptional find for the style and accolades it has received.

Serve well-chilled at 6-8°C in flute or tulip glasses to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the delicate aromas of melon and nectarine. The creamy, elegant texture makes it versatile for both aperitif drinking and food pairing - try it with seafood, soft cheeses, or light pastries that complement the brioche notes. Its light-bodied nature means it won't overwhelm delicate flavours, making it perfect for celebrations or casual enjoyment.

Receiving 90 points from multiple respected judges, including Sam Kim and various wine competitions, indicates exceptional quality and consistency across different palates. The Double Gold Medal and 'Top NZ Wine of the Year' awards are particularly significant as they represent blind tastings against hundreds of competitors. These accolades, combined with the remarkably low price point, suggest this wine punches well above its weight class and represents outstanding value in the sparkling wine category.