Wine: Three bottles under $25

Let’s say you’ve got $25 max to spend. But you really want a couple of bucks left over to splash out on a packet of pork crackling to nibble with your glass of wine. Fret not. Any of these wines will easily amplify your wallet power…

Gunn Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $18

Intensely herbaceous on the nose with hints of jalapeno, basil and ripe passionfruit, this is a banging, boldly aromatic wine that's gently juicy on the palate with nice acidity and length. It's a superb wine that (luckily for us) is available in supermarkets around the country. If you're a fan of crunchy-crisp sauvignon that hits you immediately - here's your ticket. Widely available.

Sip with chunky seafood chowder.
gunnestate.com

Nikau Point Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $15

The fact that this is just $15 a bottle absolutely blows my mind. Cherry, black tea and attractive spices, alongside red fruits, raspberry and soft plummy characters make this an incredibly drinkable, excitingly affordable pinot noir.

A recent makeover of the label has given this extra table-appeal. It looks like money.
It tastes like money. But it won't cost you much money.

Sip with creamy duck liver pate.
Available in supermarkets nationwide.

Matahiwi Estate Hawke's Bay Blanc de Blanc NV $22

I love the melon and nectarine notes and the deliciously fine bubbles. Lemon and peach flavours ooze through to something deliciously dry and fruity - it's a nicely structured sparkling wine crafted by Jane Cooper and her team at Matahiwi Estate. It's a sip that hits the spot in every way and has "celebration" written all over it.

Sip with whitebait fritters.
matahiwi.co.nz

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