TOP MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE

Mumm Marlborough Rosé 2017 - 3 $46 ★★★★★

“I HAVE THE SIMPLEST TASTES. I am always satisfied with the best,” quipped Irish author, poet and playwright Oscar Wilde. I would also attribute this sentiment to any chef de cave in Champagne, France. Champagne is renowned as the finest example of sparkling wine in the world, a luxury product with a price tag to match. Reputation and brand are everything so are fiercely protected. The chef de cave who leads the winemaking team – that’s the person ultimately responsible for what ends up in your glass – cannot be satisfied with anything other than the very best grapes and winemaking team for their champagne.

When G.H. Mumm’s chef de cave Laurent Fresnet worked with Marlborough winemaker Jamie Marfell to create this blanc de noir from 100% Marlborough pinot noir, he was clearly satisfied that he was working with the best. The result is a New Zealand sparkling rosé emblazoned proudly with the iconic G.H. Mumm brand.

As a vintage sparkling wine, this rosé is required to be aged for a minimum of three years prior to release. This wine, however, has been aged for a total of four years which contributes to the enhanced complexity, texture and flavour of the blend.

Pale in the glass, aromas of red apples, summer berries and delicate florals lead into a creamy, well-weighted yet seemingly weightless palate. Brioche and pannacotta characters collide on the juicy midpalate through to the long and delicious finish. (B)

2 / Hunter’s Mirumiru™ Reserve 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 3 $39.90

Citrus flowers and subtle breaded notes whisper on this quiet and elegant nose. The palate is also a quiet achiever, lean and laser focussed with bread dough and salted butter flavours throughout the juicy palate that is long and creamy with a superb chalky, crisp and refreshing finish.

3 / Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Brut NV (Central Otago) ★★★★★ - 3 $39

Bright, fresh citrus aromas stream from the glass and onto the well-weighted and superbly balanced palate. Complex autolysis and creamy toasted brioche flavours ride the lifted acid line that runs along the length of the palate with hints of mouthwatering minerality to a long salivating finish.

4 / Hunter’s Mirumiru™ Rosé NV (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 2 $36.90

A pretty, pale rose-petal pink in the glass with a lovely primary nose full of aromas of red apples, strawberries and cream and brioche. The palate is complex and well weighted with all elements in balance. Juicy and approachable with a lingering persistence on the finish.

5 / Deutz Prestige Cuvée 2017 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 2 $32

Positive reductive characters on the nose with aromas of lemon-glazed brioche and apple peel against the flint. The palate is creamy and unctuous with layers of flavour and a salt-water minerality that gives complexity and length. A well-balanced and moreish example.

6 / Daniel Le Brun Méthode Traditionnelle Rosé NV (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 2 $34

Mid pink with copper tints and chocolatey pinot noir characters. Red apples and subtle red berry fruits are both on the nose and the palate. Nicely structured with richness, drive and a steely acid line that give persistence and length.

Daniel Le Brun Méthode Traditionnelle 2011 (Marlborough)

★★★★ - 3 $41

Daniel Le Brun Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blancs 2016 (Marlborough)

★★★★ - 5 $41

Diamond Heart Blanc de Blancs 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 5 $40

Hunter’s Mirumiru™ NV (Marlborough)

★★★★ - 5 $29.90

Louis Bouillot Grande Réserve Crémant de Bourgogne Perle de Vigne NV (France) ★★★★ - 5 $30 (A)

Maude Méthode Traditionnelle NV (Central Otago) ★★★★ - 4 $42

Morton Méthode Traditionnelle 2018 (Marlborough/hawke’s Bay)

★★★★ - 2 $28

Nautilus Marlborough Cuvée Brut NV ★★★★ - 3 $40

SOHO Mara Méthode Rosé Brut 2021 (Waiheke Island, Auckland)

★★★★ - 3 $55

Tohu Rewa Blanc de Blancs Méthode Traditionnelle 2016 (Marlborough)

★★★★ - 3 $40

Tohu Rewa Rosé Méthode Traditionnelle 2017 (Marlborough)

★★★★ - 3 $40

Making méthode traditionnelle is not simple: it is a multilayered process and once you have completed and finally got those delicious bubbles bottled, only then does the clock start.