There’s something irresistibly joyful about the sound of a cork easing its way from a bottle – that little “pop” that signals Christmas has truly begun. Whether it’s breakfast bubbles, a long lunch under the pōhutukawa or clinking glasses as the sun sets, great sparkling wine brings an effortless kind of magic to the table.
This year’s five-star méthode traditionnelle wines are absolute standouts – expressive, elegant and made for festive feasting. Here are the bottles that will bring sparkle, style and just the right amount of celebration to your Christmas festivities.
Deutz Marlborough Cuvée Blanc de Blancs 2019 – TOP METHOD
★★★★★ | $33
There’s a reason Deutz has legendary status — and this vintage shows exactly why. On the nose, it’s slightly reductive with lovely freshness, autolysis and toast, and on the palate it’s bright, lithe and almost dancing with a zingy freshness that feels tailor-made for summer.
The taut, steely acid gives it real drive and an endless-feeling length.
Perfect for: Enjoying in the sun with Fish & Chips (why not swap out the turkey!), it’s a classic match with sparkling wine, the bright zingy freshness of this, just perfect.
Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Vintage Blanc de Blancs 2019
★★★★★ | $85 (Central Otago)
This Champagne-style beauty from Central Otago is pale and elegant, it opens with lovely aromatic richness – creaminess, hints of toast and fresh white florals.The palate has that rare combination of purity and complexity, finishing with an ethereal length that keeps you coming back for another sip.
Perfect for: The complexity of this gorgeous Central Otago method is incredible with creamy cheeses, just like the Delice d’Argental that is served at Normanby Fine Wines.
Esses Encore 2016
★★★★★ | $75 (Kaikōura / Marlborough)
Bright yet pale gold, this wine delivers instant charm. The nose is gorgeously complex, rich with dough and toast. On the palate, it’s creamy and generous — milk chocolate and brioche weaving together in a way that feels decadent without ever being heavy.
Perfect for: The creamy generosity of this wine is perfect with the beautiful Salmon we are blessed with here in New Zealand. Lightly smoked on a rosti with this Sparkling gem.
Hunter’s MiruMiru™ Vintage 2020
★★★★★ | $41 (Marlborough)**
Hunter’s MiruMiru feels like that effortlessly stylish guest who turns up looking perfectly put together without trying too hard. The nose is understated, with subtle fruit and beautiful bready notes, and the palate has wonderful structure with a fantastic acid profile that brings length, freshness and real finesse.
Perfect for: The finesse, freshness and elegance is just perfect with Oysters, fresh, natural and divine.
Discover Cuisine’s First-Ever Five-Star Wine Collection
For the first time in our 42-year history, we’ve brought this year’s standout five-star wines together — limited to just 100 boxes each, and available exclusively through Cuisine Wine in partnership with Normanby.
