Top NZ Sauvignons and Winegrovers of Ara

This Wednesday some terrific deals on New Zealand wines perfect for summer drinking or , since it may well be raining, for quaffing whilst watching the Olympics at home.

As well as great prices on some of New Zealand’s top sauvignons from Kim Crawford, Ata Rangi and Greywacke we introduce the latest vintages from Winegrowers of Ara and a super price on Lindauer’s best sparkling wine, the Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs (from just £10.50/btl)

Ara is a large, single estate in Marlborough at the confluence of Marlborough's Wairau and Waihopai rivers in the southernmost part of the region. It lies on a 1,600ha terrace laid down by the river systems that existed 20,000 years ago. One of the vineyard's special features is the vine density - 4,000-5,000 vines per hectare - which is more than double that of conventional Marlborough plantings. The high density and low yields are comparable to Old World viticultural techniques and the cool climate and high altitudes are unusual even by NZ standards.

These wines – the first made by leading winemaker Jeff Clarke – have not yet been widely reviewed…but both the Single Estate Sauvignon and the Pinot Gris have done extremely well on the show circuit with the Pinot Gris winning the home turf trophy at the Marlborough Wine show in 2011. At just £7.50/btl for the Sauvignon and £9 for the Pinot Gris, these must be among the best value quality wines from New Zealand. Not sure? – then try the tasting case at just £110 for 12 bottles and including three bottles of their cheerful sparkling Sauvignon Brut and then come back for more next week.