For many New Zealanders, picking a bottle of wine isn't so much about the flavour and finish as it is about the price (and the alcohol percentage), but thankfully, New World has come through for the uncultured among us by awarding the Top 50 wines in Aotearoa - all under $25.
An independent panel of experts at the 2022 New World Wine Awards Top 50 has narrowed down the best-of-the-best from the 20th annual competition, where judges swirled, sniffed, tasted and debated their way through more than 1200 different wines to determine the 50 top-ranked, gold medal winners.
The 50 top drops is also something of a life hack, with the Awards intending to take the guesswork out of choosing a great wine at a great price. Simply consult the Top 50 before picking up a bottle for a significant other, colleague or the in-laws and you're sure to score some extra brownie points.
The list can also make a particularly handy guide for fledgling wine drinkers, allowing you to walk to the wine aisle with confidence and pick your tipple without dithering over different varietals.
Of course, the Top 50 isn't exclusively sold at New World, meaning whether it's Countdown or Glengarry, you can still pick up many of the winners from your local.
"This year's Top 50 is especially helpful because it includes so many repeat winners from over the competition's 20-year history," New World Wine Awards co-chair of judges Sam Kim said.
Kim has been involved in the hospitality and wine industries for over 30 years, including more than 20 years as a wine judge in numerous national and international competitions.
"These are multi-winning wines and wineries that have made the grade time and again, proving their excellence year after year, bottle after bottle," he added.
"Their achievements are great news for wine-drinkers who are on the lookout for quality and consistency at an affordable price, and well worth a toast."
Giesen Estate's 2021 Riesling is among the winners, bringing the wine's gold medal tally to seven and cementing its claim as the most awarded wine in the New World Wine Awards so far, based on results between 2008-2022.
The Giesen team are well-known both locally and internationally for their expertise in Riesling, which they've been making for more than three decades using Waipara and Marlborough-grown grapes.
"We work hard each year to get every aspect of this wine just right. It's balanced, juicy and versatile, and we hope this win will inspire more wine-lovers to give Riesling a go alongside their next summer platter or barbeque," chief winemaker Duncan Shouler said.
This year Rapaura Springs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 and Wairau River Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022 have returned to the list for the fifth time, with Rapaura Springs also taking out the Champion Sauvignon title for a second year.
Despite being accustomed to the winner's circle, Rapaura Spring winemaker Michael Bann said this year's recognition is particularly appreciated by the team after a challenging vintage.
"It was one of those years that put our skills to the test and it's great to see our picking decisions and hard work pay off once again," he said.
Meanwhile, the Chardonnay sages at Church Road have taken the Champion Chardonnay and White Wine of the Show titles with their Church Road McDonald Series Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2021, headlining a six-strong range of options from Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and Marlborough.
Also returning to the Top 50 is the Lindauer Vintage Series Brut Cuvée 2017, a "seriously good" drop that according to Kim, is incredible value at under $20 for a bottle-fermented Kiwi bubbly.
It's flanked by the always dependable Verde Brut and returning star the Graham Norton Prosecco DOC - a collaboration between Waikato-based Invivo Wines and the popular Irish television personality.
In reds, boutique wine company SOHO Wines is celebrating a third year in the Top 50, with their Bobby Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 taking out Champion Pinot Noir and Champion Red Wine of the Show.
"We are truly passionate about the wine we make and we're so excited to earn two Champion titles for our Pinot Noir, and to see 'Bobby' get front and centre with thousands of supermarket shoppers," founder Rachael Carter said following the news.
When it comes to the award-winning wineries, Villa Maria boasts an impressive haul of 38 gold medals over 14 years; Saint Clair Family Estate is hot on their heels with 21, and in third place is Mount Riley with 19. All have two delicious signature variety wines in the Top 50 for 2022.
For those with more adventurous tastes, Kim said there are also plenty of new options to explore.
"For every classic on the list this year, there is also something new and different to try. The Mount Riley Marlborough Albariño 2022 offers wine-lovers a totally new taste from this recognised brand, with a new white wine variety that is just starting to take hold in New Zealand vineyards and Kiwi wine palates," he said.
"Rosé fans can choose from both New Zealand and French winning wines this year, and if you want a real adventure there are red wines from all around the world including Tempranillo, Malbec, Garnacha, and Sangiovese."
2022 New World Wine Awards Top 50 - all under $25
