Farinata with goat's cheese, rocket & smoked paprika vinaigretteFarinata is the epitome of Ligurian peasant food (the French call it socca). It's a thin pancake, traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven
NZ pinot gris - Wine tasting 2012
Our latest tasting showed that, whatever its inherent shortcomings, New Zealand pinot gris is getting better.
Dessert wines - Wine tasting 2011
The pickings are rich for lovers of dessert wines, reports John Saker.
Rosé - Wine tasting 2011
In time for summer, our panel has been in the pink, says John Saker.
NZ sauvignon blanc - Wine tasting 2011
Our tasting panel assesses the merits of the freshly minted 2011 sauvignon blancs, writes John Saker.
Blanc story
On the occasion of our 150th issue, John Saker reviews the wild ride of New Zealand sauvignon blanc.
Champagne $100 & under - Wine tasting 2011
With such a classy array of wines, it was not at all easy for the panel to rank the Top 10, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
Champagne over $100 - Wine tasting 2011
In this category the quality of entries ramped up even further, with no fewer than seven earning five stars, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
NZ pinot noir - Wine tasting 2011
Making pinot noir is often likened to the pursuit of the Holy Grail. How close to the sacred object are our producers getting, asks John Saker.
Sparkling - Wine tasting 2011
Our top sparklers display the unmistakable hallmarks of France, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
Spanish reds - Wine tasting 2011
Wine in Spain has undergone a 'reconquista' of its own over recent times - savour the outcome, advises Ralph Kyte-Powell.
Italian reds - Wine tasting 2011
Italian reds speak a language all their own, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
NZ merlot - Wine tasting 2011
Sometimes described as 'cabernet sauvignon without the pain', local merlot has a lot to thank 2009 for, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
NZ Cabernet - Wine tasting 2011
Improved quality across the board has led our panel to reassess cabernet sauvignon's 'vinisterial' responsibilities, writes Ralph Kyte-Powell.
