There is 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 is breakfast bubbles, a long lunch under the pohutukawa or clinking glasses as the sun sets, great sparkling wine brings an effortless kind of magic to the table.

This year’s five star methode traditionnelle wines are absolute standouts, expressive, elegant and made for festive feasting. And if some of the names ring a bell later, that is because a few of these standouts also feature in the CUISINE FIVE STAR COLLECTION >>, three limited edition boxes showcasing Cuisine’s best judged wines of 2025, delivered to your dining table.
Here are the New Zealand methods 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.

Advertisements

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.

Shop this wine in the CUISINE FIVE STAR COLLECTION >>

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.

Shop this wine in the CUISINE FIVE STAR COLLECTION >>

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.

Shop this wine in the CUISINE FIVE STAR COLLECTION >>

Five Star Wines, Delivered to Your Table

The Cuisine Five Star Collections are three limited edition boxes showcasing Cuisine’s best judged wines of 2025, curated by our experts and delivered to your dining table. There are only 100 cases of each collection, and once they are gone, they will not be released again.

Make this the year your Christmas truly pops

Explore the Cuisine Five Star Collections →