KEY POINTS:
Matching wine with food can be challenging but matching wine with political parties has never been easier.
LABOUR
Demonstrating an ability to understand and make MMP work. Able to absorb and subtly blend. A composite of four or five different varietals. The sum of the parts making up the whole. Red of course - a bordeaux
NATIONAL
Can look like a red, and smell like a red. Upcoming kid on the block. Doesn't grow well in difficult conditions. Loves rich, hot climate. Sometimes referred to as pinot noir in drag. Often temperamental. Could be next big thing - syrah
GREENS
Patron saint is James Millton of New Zealand's first biodynamic organic Gisborne winery. Based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, Millton Estate vines are planted in accord with the positions of the moon and stars. Sensitive, sustainable, pure, gentle, nurturing. Grows only in highly specialised conditions - pinot noir ACT Lord of the Dance, loves the big occasion. Show pony tendencies. Makes lots of noise when opened. Accused of being all froth and bubble and lacking substance. Requires a lot of work to get right. Could be more fashionable if not so expensive - Champagne
MAORI PARTY
Some bad press over recent years but now looking attractive. Versatile. Can probably be matched with anything. Needs chilling. Don't be fooled by its colour, it can pack a punch. Used to be made only in poor vintages. Suddenly trendy - rose. united future Suspicious of anything too alcoholic. Likely to opt for lemon lime and bitters. Intensely worthy but can be boring. Desperately seeking something to go with Nana's sausage rolls and sponge cake - cup of tea. new zealand first Constantly regarded as unfashionable but has ability to hang on. Attention seeking with an aristocratic swagger. Mercurial. Capable of aging well. More austere, less woody style in vogue - chardonnay
PROGRESSIVES
Changeable. Chameleon-like nature, can be dry, semi-dry sweet, semi-sweet. Not universally popular but has small fanatical following. The antithesis of fortified wines. Usually acidic. Acquired taste - riesling.
2008 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Not the cheapest sauvignon but still the quintessential benchmark by which all others must be judged. Voluptuous, princely.
Price: about $35
2006 Waimarie Muriwai Valley Merlot Cabernet
Produced by third- generation winemakers Nicholas and Stephen Nobilo. Blackberry, plum and liquorice flavours, with some underlying savoury characters. Drink now.
Price: $28
