Taste & Drink

Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on two appealing wines for the month .

For almost two centuries Mumm has been crafting exceptional sparkling wines. World famous for its champagne, Mumm can be found on the tables of royalty and fine dining restaurants. Established in 1827 Mumm Champagne House is located in Reims, the birthplace of champagne.

In 1852 George Hermann Mumm, the son of one of the original founders took control of the company with the planting of new vineyards that were to lay the foundations for producing wines that continue to excel. Acquired by Pernod Ricard in 2005, the Mumm brand has been extended into other sparkling varietals that are true to its watchword of only the best.

Wine lovers should consider these two exceptional value-formoney wines over the summer months.

Let’s Eat Out

Dennis and Rosamund Knill

Attention to detail makes Divino, a little suburban gem complete with its own successful formula, the benchmark for authentic Italian cuisine.

There’s much to like about one of Parnell’s friendly neighbourly ristorantes. Divino has adopted the Italian ethos of simple, produce-driven cuisine. It’s casual, always good natured, and comfortably inclusive for a mix of happy diners.

You can spot the loyal regulars being rewarded with lively and keenly priced Italianate dining. They’re the ones ordering pizza and pasta, or, for the adventurous, whatever chef Anna is able to put together on the night.

Italy is everywhere with the robust back-to-basic flavours of its food, the perfect pronunciation of the all-Italian blackboard menu, and the friendly welcome the moment you step inside, with the front of house making you feel at home. And whether you sit alfresco under the covered courtyard or step inside, the surroundings are cosy.

Mumm Marlborough Brut Prestige, RRP $40.99

Refreshing ripe flavours give a soft mouth feel on the palette, nicely balanced with a fine fragrance of aromas. This is an excellent champagne and the perfect option for any celebration. Pair with fish, lobster, scallops, oysters, sushi, sashimi, and summer salads.

And there’s generosity with pizza. Start with a selection of classics, all eight of them ($13.50-25), including Italian favourites like Napoli, margherita and marinara. The choice of pasta dishes ($23) ranges from alfredo, ragu, pomodoro, gamberi, and gnocchi with sides of garlic bread, rocket and parmesan, olives, and buffalo mozzarella ($6-12). And if you still have hunger pangs, don’t relent without a generous serving of with homemade tiramisu ($15).

The wine list is small but good enough. Take your pick from a modest selection of local and Italian wines by the glass and bottle, all moderately priced

‘17 Mumm Marlborough Vintage Rose, RRP $45.99

Light, bright and bubbly with a fresh fruity bouquet of aromas that make this wine instantly appealing and the perfect choice for dining on a warm summer’s night. Serve with pasta, risotto, salmon, seafood, bruschetta and cheese, canapes, and salty snacks.

And the verdict? The food is more special than the setting. Divino is not a headline grabber or a posh bistro, but a place to eat unpretentious rustic Italian food from a kitchen that knows all about flavour in the right quantities to impress but not overpower. And if you have a particular dish in mind Anna will gladly prepare it with 48 hours prior notice. A reason in itself to visit this ristorante.

DIVINO

15 Nicholls Lane, Carlaw Park 09 379 3848 divino.co.nz

Menu: 7, cuisine: 8, wine list: 5, service: 7, décor: 6, value for money: 7.5

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