Fresh buffalo mozzarella with tomato dipIt's not hard to make your mouth water when contemplating making this dip-cum-fondue.
NZ viognier - Wine tasting 2012
Since its first appearance over a decade ago in the boisterous arena that is New Zealand wine, the white grape viognier is starting to prove itself.
NZ chardonnay - Wine tasting 2012
New Zealand chardonnay is scaling new heights, writes John Saker.
NZ gewurztraminer - Wine tasting 2011
Looking for high-decibel taste and flamboyance? Look out for the latest gewurztraminers. And Marlborough country is indeed 'where the flavour is'.
NZ riesling - Wine tasting 2011
Riesling is a grape that can't hide its origins. As our riesling vines get older, this attribute and the variety's regional diff erences are becoming more evident.
NZ pinot gris - Wine tasting 2011
Our latest tasting showed that, whatever its inherent shortcomings, New Zealand pinot gris is getting better.
Dessert wines - Wine tasting 2011
The pickings are rich for lovers of dessert wines, reports John Saker.
Rosé - Wine tasting 2011
In time for summer, our panel has been in the pink, says John Saker.
NZ sauvignon blanc - Wine tasting 2011
Our tasting panel assesses the merits of the freshly minted 2011 sauvignon blancs, writes John Saker.
Blanc story
On the occasion of our 150th issue, John Saker reviews the wild ride of New Zealand sauvignon blanc.
Champagne $100 & under - Wine tasting 2011
With such a classy array of wines, it was not at all easy for the panel to rank the Top 10, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
Champagne over $100 - Wine tasting 2011
In this category the quality of entries ramped up even further, with no fewer than seven earning five stars, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
NZ pinot noir - Wine tasting 2011
Making pinot noir is often likened to the pursuit of the Holy Grail. How close to the sacred object are our producers getting, asks John Saker.
Sparkling - Wine tasting 2011
Our top sparklers display the unmistakable hallmarks of France, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
NZ cabernet - Wine tasting 2011
Improved quality across the board has led our panel to reassess cabernet sauvignon's 'vinisterial' responsibilities, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
Spanish reds - Wine tasting 2011
Wine in Spain has undergone a 'reconquista' of its own over recent times - savour the outcome, advises Ralph Kyte-Powell.
Italian reds - Wine tasting 2011
Italian reds speak a language all their own, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
NZ merlot - Wine tasting 2011
Sometimes described as 'cabernet sauvignon without the pain', local merlot has a lot to thank 2009 for, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
