Halite Light Dry White 2023, Martinborough, NZD $36
A delightful oak-free alternative for pinot gris and chardonnay drinkers alike, this blanc de noirs (made from pinot noir) weighs in at a refreshing 12.0% alcohol by volume and will happily sit in the background on the beach, summer evening picnics or while you’re crowding around the backyard barbecue.
Softly layered nose; floral, tangy mandarin, subtle peach/apricot and a hint of savouriness—delicately perfumed and ethereal. The palate is textural and has remarkable weight, almost creamy before a touch of salinity emerges. Mid-weight stone-fruit and apple, spice and some grainy phenolics on the end. It’s balanced towards the richer side even though it doesn’t have any actual sugar sweetness. Raspberry and strawberry make an appearance on the finish, giving an impression of being softer and possibly sweeter than it actually is. Easy-drinking, enjoyable now and uncomplicated. (Diam)
Score: 90 ★★★★ – view original tasting note
Alcohol: 12.0%
Ageing: now to 2026
Food: tomato, burrata and basil salad; fish and chips
Stockist: Halite Wines; By The Bottle, Auckland and online; Monkfish, Wellington and online (NZ)
This Article was originally published on The Real Review
