Wines to drink with... Christmas leftovers on the barbecue

Frescobaldi Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

WITHIN YOUR MEANS

2002 Torres Sangre de Toro, $16 to $18

This red, a blend of garnacha, carinena and tempranillo, was first available in New Zealand in 1967 and just keeps getting better. Like most Spanish wine producers today, Torres winery has undergone much modernisation. This wine tastes plummy and stewed-fruit-like as well as fresh and earthy. Great value for money, delivering more flavour in the glass than most reds from this part of the world that cost $10 more.

From specialist wine stores.

THE SPLURGE

2002 Domaine Paul Blanck Altenbourg Gewurztraminer, $49 to $50

It is not just the impossibly slender bottle that makes this wine stand out from the crowd. This is Alsacien gewurztraminer as many New Zealanders expect to find it, reeking of old-fashioned red roses, fleshy and full-bodied in the mouth and, incredibly, like drinking lychees. Better than all this is the sheer drinkability of this delicious white wine. From specialist wine stores or contact Vintners New Zealand, phone (09) 979 2900 or email enquiries@vintnersnz.co.nz

CELLAR PALATE

1999 Frescobaldi Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, $84 to $85

This wine just begs to be decanted at least into a glass if not a proper decanter. Even at five years old it is tight and earthy when first opened, changing over hours into a fantastically velvety red wine. Brunello is one of the great Italian wine secrets in this part of the world. Brooding, sweet, bone dry and somehow silky all at the same time.

From specialist wine stores or contact Allied Domecq Wines NZ for more information, phone (09 570 8400.