"Emerging wines" are well-established grape varieties that are new to New Zealand shores and palates. Sam Kim, co-chair of judges for the New World Wine Awards, offers three lesser-known, must-try varieties for wine lovers.
![Sam Kim of the New World Wine Awards. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/QG5VEHAF64GACYJ34EVVLWCIVQ.jpg?auth=543c2fdf5500ee1a00702d2af29ecef5581b896c169501725bcf38e2d96904bf&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Albarino
If you've ever holidayed in Portugal or Spain, and ordered a house white wine, chances are you've been served albarino, this region's favourite white. Closer to home, growers across New Zealand are experimenting with this seaside-loving grape, known for its stonefruit flavours, zingy acidity and slight saltiness – exactly what you might imagine for a white wine grown in the sea breeze. If the taste profile sounds a bit like sauvignon blanc, you're right - albarino is likely to appeal most to those who also enjoy sauv, pinot gris or even a dry riesling. Chardonnay drinkers will enjoy it too, thanks to its slightly more savoury, almost salty, edge. It's an especially good match with seafood – again thanks to that slightly salty minerality.