IMAGINE the floral perfumes and white pepper of a fine German Riesling and mix that with the freshness of a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc such as Sancerre, and finally add in the lusciousness of the best Pinot Grigio from Northern Italy.

ALTHOUGH increasing numbers of us buy our wine at the supermarkets, this week I want to encourage you to remember the independent wine shops who can often provide more variety and unusual styles.

THERE was an embarrassment of riches at the annual New Zealand wine fair last week.