Wine: Best world wines

The rest of the world is now sending us some of their best wines, which enables us to see what all the fuss is about. These are worth checking out.

1. 2011 Primo Estate Il Briccone Shiraz/Sangiovese

Australia's Primo Estate has a reputation for singular, big-flavoured imaginative wines with tons of personality. None more so than this unusual combination of shiraz and Italy's sangiovese varietal. Result? A typical grunty Aussie red with sleek Italian refinement. Taste the love.

Price: $28 available At heraldwine.co.nz.

2. 2012 Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Trocken

Riesling divides wine aficionados. Some are simply not interested, others have a passion and fervour for the varietal that borders on hysteria. There are even international wine bars that serve only riesling. Enter Kerpen, from a revered Austrian family specialising in the varietal. This wine is from 70-year-old vines and is majestic, dry and unbelievably good ... riesling naysayers will be converted.

Price: $38 available At heraldwine.co.nz.

3. 2012 Bott-Geyl Gewurztraminer Les Elements

Alsace, France is known for its gastronomy, scenery and jaw-dropping aromatic white wines - especially a personal favourite of mine, gewurztraminer. Jean-Christophe Bott's family wine tradition dates back to 1695 and he has been running Domaine Bott-Geyl for 20 years. This wine has aromas of banana, ginger, butter, almond and orange with a touch of bitterness. It has purity and multi-layered textures ... magnifique.

Price: $40