Austrian wines are seldom seen outside the country’s borders – which is the only reason that Grüner Veltliner, the nation’s finest white grape, is not better known. This classic example is from a small winery in Krems, a town with eight centuries of winemaking tradition. Founded in 1938 by members of the local Wine Growers Guild, it lies at the heart of the Kremstal region, where clay and limestone soils “imbue the finest Veltliners with a density all of their own” (Jancis Robinson MW). Hand harvested, the grapes are gently pressed to extract only the most delicate flavours. A classic ‘GrüVe’ with spice and green apple fruit and a white pepper finish, Danaris is ideal with roast pork and apple sauce, grilled fish or spicy Asian cuisine.

Eden Valley’s Mountadam Vineyards was established in 1972 and is nestled on a unique rocky outcrop ranging in elevation up to 550m. The vineyards were founded by David Wynn, who is credited with several milestones in winemaking, including the creation of the wine cask and planting the first contour vineyard in Australia. “More concentrated. More intense. A firmer weave of coffee grind and clove to bitter chocolate-doused tannins, too, with a darker fruit persuasion than its sassier brethren. More typically Australian, I suppose. More oomph, auguring well for a long, bright future. ... 93 points” (Halliday Wine Companion).

Inviting and complex aromatics welcome you into this wine; brambly, leafy notes backed up by deep dark fruit with subtle spice and char interplay on the nose. There is a deceptive density to this wine's aroma that hints at what lies beyond. The 2016 release builds on that breakthrough style - the wine shows plush generosity but there is a layering of flavours and complexity to this vintage that invites not just a second but third look. Generous, accessible primary fruit sits pretty up front but let the wine breathe and suddenly these dry, fine and lightly chewy tannins build on the back palate, lending a savoury edge to the dark fruit finish of this baby.

This stunning wine is named after the landmark Split Apple Rock in Abel Tasman National Park, where Hermann Seifried built a winery in 1973 with the help of his local church. He'd only arrived in New Zealand three years earlier from Austria, via Germany (where he studied winemaking) and South Africa. He married Kiwi lass Agnes Wilkins, and two years later they realised their shared dream of growing grapes. 1976 was their maiden vintage and more than 30 years on the Seifrieds are still going strong and racking up a host of awards. Gooseberry fresh Split Rock slips down a treat on its own and partners dishes such as spicy prawns, grilled chicken or creamy pasta.