Wine: A wine pick for Madonna (white and Italian)

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Tonight, after a 32-year wait, I finally get to see Madonna perform live. Madonna. Fizzing doesn’t begin to describe the feeling. How does that relate to my wine picks this week? Well, one of them also happens to be white and Italian…

Cento Cavalli Grillo IGT 2014

In a word, wow. On the nose it has the most seductive aromas of sweet lemon, white pepper and peach, all of which saturate through on to the palate. Named after Sicily's "Hundred Horse Chestnut" (which, at more then 2000 years old, is said to be the oldest-known chestnut tree in the world), this snappy, sexy white made from native grillo grapes is elegant, stylish and completely unique.

Pair with baked fish or grilled sardines/mackerel. $19

Aronui Nelson Pinot Gris 2015

This is one of those "ticks all the boxes" pinot gris styles that is guaranteed to keep the crowds happy. So if you're planning weddings, parties or a book club banger, then I'd suggest tucking a few bottles of this away. With its aromas of baked apple, nashi and squinty quince, followed by a ripe, powdery mouthfeel (a touch warm on the alcohol side) and a crisp, tangy finish - it'll put smiles on faces, for sure.

Pair with spicy pork. $17

Craft Farm Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2014

After having been a consultant winemaker for some of New Zealand's star producers since forever, Ant MacKenzie is finally unleashing his own branded wines and this makes me a happy girl. This gewurztraminer, sourced from his Havelock North "Home" vineyard is clean, bursting with guava, ginger and lychee-laden loveliness. Exotically scented, juicy to drink and blessed with a long, textural finish - it's a new favourite for me.

Pair with pad thai. $35

Yvonne Lorkin is a wine retailer, wine writer and member of the Wine Writers of NZ.