Australian Jane Hunter was one of the key figures in the emergence of New Zealand wine from the 1980s onwards and her family business is still at the Marlborough forefront. Their take on pet nat beautifully harnesses the local sauvignon blanc's natural gooseberry-ish bounce.

Attractively vibrant nose, hints of musk, a wisp of funk, grassy notes, lovely freshness too. Fresh, vibrant, grassy, gooseberry, bready elements, the Sav Blanc becoming more evident on both nose & palate. Fruit sweetness yet dry. Tangy, zesty, crisp, wears its heart on its sleeve. Would be delicious alfresco on a summer's day.

This aptly named Sauvignon Blanc is a leftfield take on this country's most produced wine. In this example, it is lightly bubbly, thanks to the wine being bottled while it's still fermenting and sealed with a crown seal to retain the C02 that is produced naturally during fermentation. This accounts for the wine's light sparkling style, which was traditionally referred to as petillant naturel by the French and is now widely abbreviated to 'per nat'. It's also cloudy, as the yeast cells from the fermentation remain in the bottle, adding savoury flavour notes. This is a tasty, dry Sauvignon that works beautifully on a hot day, served lightly chilled.

A Pet Nat is a wine variety that is bottled before primary fermentation is finished, hence the bubbles and the name – petillant natural is French for natural sparkling. So, it’s not a méthode by any means, just a very playful style of bubbles. This puts the fun into funkmeister. The Sauvignon Blanc flavours jump out, framed by an overt flintiness that gives the fizz an extra tingle. If you’re putting kai moana to the flame (gurnard tacos anyone?) open a bottle.

Bright, even, pale yellow. Moderately fine bead, lightly effervescent. The nose is fresh and punchy, with penetrating aromas of green apple, gooseberry, and kaffir lime leaf. Medium-light bodied, aromas of green apple and its skins packed the palate, underlying gooseberry, and kaffir lime leaf. The mouthfeel carries subtle apple-skin like phenolics and flows effortlessly with lively acidity; vibrant mousse and creaminess broaden the palate and enhance the flavour. This fun, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc pet-nat is clean and refreshing with attractive aromatics. Serve well-chilled as a n aperitif or match with seafood and goats cheese tart over the next 2 years. Fruit from the Waihopai Valle. Bottle fermenting to create natural carbonation.