Blumond product reviews

Sparkling wine is not my usual go-to wine, that's for sure, but they are on my acceptable drinking list. This sounded too intriguing not to try, so I gave it a go one night with guests over for dinner. It proved to be quite the unexpected hit.

The first thing I noticed was the bright blue cork sealing the bottle. It really stands out once you peel the foil cap off and expose the wire cage locking the cork down. It really is bright blue, as bright as the wine itself. Upon opening, a beautiful bouquet hits your nose after a few seconds, hinting at sweet grape juice without the bitter tang of alcohol vapour. Of course, the wine is alcoholic, but it doesn't beat that fact into you at the outset, which is something I really appreciate in a drink.

The first sip will vary depending on whether you prefer your white wines chilled or at room temperature. Naturally, chilled is the best way for white wines, as it retains all the volatile notes until it hits the warmth of your tongue, but this was equally enjoyable after I let it warm up to room temp too. When chilled, the first thing you will notice is the warmth of stonefruit, particularly peach and nectarine notes - two of my favourites. This gives the wine a lovely lightness that matches the peaceful delight to be had with a Summer BBQ lunch on the patio with good company.

When warmed up to ambient temp, some of the sharper citrus notes hit your tongue first, making it more of a match for foods with a creamy texture, such as pate, oily fish such as salmon or smoked tuna, or even paired with an ice cream sundae. Another indication that this wine is going to be a hit in the warmer months.

I enjoyed this wine alongside a home-made Donburi with tuna, veges, rice and a smoked roast garlic aioli dressing, and I must say it cut through the richness of the aioli beautifully, allowing me to enjoy every mouthful at its best, without the aioli coating my tongue and dulling the flavours in subsequent mouthfuls.

I love how the wine proudly supports the NZ Prostate Cancer Foundation, their social-awareness logo being a blue ribbon. It seems that the NZ importers have a mandate to donate a portion of the purchase price to this foundation to further research into possible preventatives for this diabolical malady that affects one in every ten Kiwi men at some point in their lives. As a male about to fall into the target demographic for this disease, I can feel happy about drinking this wine knowing I could be investing in my future health.

Overall, this wine was a wonderful surprise, more so as it is quite unique to look at, and sure to spark interest and conversation when you bring it out to open. Not for those who prefer drier wines, this is quite a sweet wine by nature, though not as sweet as a dessert wine by any means. It masquerades as a cheap grape juice, but opens up its complex depth for your enjoyment if you give it a chance and treat it right. I will be curious to see how well it ages.

I was very excited to sample this wine, as I am not a wine drinker, but wanted to jump out of my comfort zone. I was also interested because of the blue colour. So that is a great advertising thing, the blue brings you in to want to try it. I wasn't disappointed that's for sure. Eager to get friends together so we can try the other colours I see are available.

Pretty colour, with a nice simple label to not overshadow the colour. Very easy to open as well with a nice "Pop", very ear pleasing. Am trying to watch everything I am eating and drinking at the moment, so reading that this wine is low in calories with only 60 cal per 250ml glass was a big plus. Who also can not pass up the 7 grams of sugar per litre.

Tasting this for the first time I was unsure what it would be like, but I was very surprised. You can really taste the hint of peach which I love. I also got my mother to try just a little and she is actually going out over the weekend to buy a bottle. I did try this with a little lemonade as well just to give myself options. Price is good for a wine drinker, I am a little unsure about buying myself as much as I would love this again.