Celebrate making it two-thirds through 2018 with three superb sips

A hostess pours a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau 2005. Photo / Getty

Month 8! Celebrate the Augustness of having made it two-thirds of the way through 2018 with three superb sips.

SONS OF EDEN FREYA EDEN VALLEY

RIESLING 2017 $35

"Freya" is an ancient Euro-Nordic goddess famous for her fondness of love, fertility, beauty, and fabulous things — and, because of these predilections, she's considered to be something of a party girl. Each sip will have you thinking your Christmases have come at once. Lifted florals, lovely lime, ripe apple, honeysuckle, deep minerality and a soft, quartzy texture make this beautifully balanced and exotically, erotically awesome.

Sip with: hoisin-marinated pork.
For stockists email mike@rmwp.co.nz

AVELADA RESERVA DA FAMILIA

MINHO ALVARINHO 2016 $36

While most imported albarino we see in NZ comes from Spain's Rias Baixas region, fans of the grape will be chuffed to know there are some right rumpty Portuguese versions around also. Using fruit from Minho, in the Vinho Verde region, Aveleda ferment
it in a combo of large oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Tasting this wine is like sinking a salt-rimmed, peach margarita then pashing the first surfer you see. Briny sea breezes, sun-kissed sweat and zesty fruit combine with perfect poise on the palate. It's perfect.

Sip with: someone salty.
kahurangiwine.com

ROLLY GASSMANN VIN D'ALSACE

PINOT GRIS 2012 $39

The Gassmanns have been winegrowers since 1611. That's when the King James Bible was first published and when Galileo had just discovered sunspots on the sun. Modern life has this pinot gris maturing deliciously. Packed with punchy yellow plum, quince, poached pear and caramelised spices, the flavours are glorious, the acidity succulent and refreshing, yet the finish is luxurious and indulgently uplifting. The perfect partner for those times when one is reading their Bible in the sun.

Sip with: grilled goat's cheese, pear and honey.
For stockists email office@macvine.co.nz

YVONNE LORKIN IS CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF TASTING OFFICER OF WINEFRIEND.CO.NZ AND A WINE WRITERS OF NZ MEMBER.