Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality regional New Zealand wines. Award-winning sommelier and owner of Roving Sommelier Wines, Robert Giorgione is also a New Zealand Brand Ambassador and is very enthusiastic about the New Zealand vineyards that he represents. Robert is also very keen on Alsatian varietals and this Kiwi Gewürztraminer fits nicely into his wine portfolio.

Owned by the Rose family and established in the early 1990s, Wairau River Wines have established a good international reputation for their honest Marlborough wines. The Rose family have been involved in grape growing since the 1970s and some of their oldest vines, date back to those early pioneering days. Located on the famous Rapaura Road, I fondly remember visiting Wairau River and their eponymous family-run restaurant and cellar door in May 2014, when I spent two and a half months travelling around New Zealand after my mum sadly passed away. For me, New Zealand has always been a special place and it was wonderful to spend some time visiting and re-visiting old friends, including spending two weeks in Marlborough. Much has changed over the years, especially in Marlborough, as well as other regions. But it’s always great when the old stalwarts of the New Zealand wine industry still carry on in their own way in pursuit of producing wines of great character.

The edge of the Wairau River is a special place for growing grapes. A place where soil, climate and terrain combine to help to produce outstanding wines. Phil and Chris Rose established their vineyards in 1978. Today the extended Rose family produce some of the best wines Marlborough has to offer.

Harvested in the cool of the early morning from the winery block vineyard on the banks of the Wairau River. The fruit was de-stemmed and held with the skins in the press for 24 hours. The free run and light pressings were separated and cold settled. A portion of the wine was fermented in old neutral French oak barrels, with the balance in stainless steel. The ferments were stopped with some residual sugar to aid texture and weight.

A vibrant perfumed nose of elderflower, rose petal and lychee. The palate is layered with notes of nutmeg and gingerbread resulting in a silky wine with delicate spice and a lingering finish. Best enjoyed chilled and in a convivial atmosphere.