Air New Zealand Wine

Beautiful bubbles

The holidays are almost upon us. If you haven't got your sparkling wine sorted for your celebration, here are some award-winners from the 2015 Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Nautilus Cuvee Marlborough Brut NZ - Champion Sparkling Wine

Made in the traditional method using 70 per cent pinot noir and 30 per cent chardonnay from the Marlborough region, Nautilus has been making this sparkling wine since 1989. The wine is aged on its lees for three years, resulting in a beautifully balanced style, with yeasty, toasty characters and a creamy palate that pairs wonderfully with seafood. Nautilus is committed to making world-class sparkling wines to rival Champagne, and this is a perfect example.

Verde Methode Traditionnelle NV - Pure silver medal 

The finest chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, fermented in the bottle, produces this premium sparkling wine. Delicate citrus and biscuit nuances are complemented by a lingering, creamy after-taste. A great wine to serve chilled with your cheese board. And if you find a bottle lingering after Christmas Day don't panic – this one can be cellared for up to two years.

Deutz Marlborough Cuvée Rosé 2010 - Pure silver medal

The House of Deutz is a respected French winemaker, who signed a landmark agreement with Montana in 1988 to celebrate 150 years of winemaking. For 10 years, Deutz visited Montana to train their viticulturists in the art ?of champagne making. The result is this premium méthode traditionnelle and a shelf full of trophies. This wine offers an alternative to the usual sparklers, with the addition of rich berry flavours falling into complex biscuit and brioche end notes. Great with any dessert.

Daniel Le Brun Brut NV - Pure bronze medal

Aromas of citrus and orange peel lead into a lively and fresh palate and firm mousse. A great bubbly to enjoy with your cheese board, this well-respected label has been producing some of New Zealand's finest méthode traditionnelle for 25 years.  

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