Jo Cribb Reveals Top Wine Picks for 2025 in Final Column

As 2025 approaches, wine enthusiast Jo Cribb shares her top picks in her final column of the year, highlighting innovative beverages and underrated selections. In her reflections, Cribb emphasizes the importance of quality and taste while acknowledging the challenges of researching and promoting wines for her audience.

Celebrating Innovative Selections

Cribb awards the title of “best innovation in wine” to the spritz, a refreshing drink perfect for warm weather. She emphasizes her preference for a long **Spritzzetto**, an Italian-style spritz made by two New Zealanders inspired by their experiences in Venice. Priced at $24 for four 250 ml cans, the drink combines one-third premium New Zealand wine with an Italian aperitif and sparkling water, offering an accessible and enjoyable beverage option.

Conversely, Cribb expresses her disappointment with zero-alcohol wines, noting that they often fail to meet expectations. She suggests alternatives for those seeking lower-alcohol options, recommending the simple combination of soda water with full-strength **Sauvignon Blanc** or ice in **Rosé**. For those desiring a zero-alcohol choice, she advises opting for beer instead.

Highlighting Underrated and Luxurious Wines

In her assessment of New Zealand wines, Cribb champions sparkling wines made using the **méthode traditionnelle**. She argues that these wines provide exceptional quality at a fraction of the price of their Champagne counterparts. “We make world-class sparkling wine for a fraction of the price of its champagne sisters,” she states, adding, “I think ours is often better.”

When it comes to reds, Cribb finds it difficult to choose between the **Martinborough Pinot Noir** and the **Hawke’s Bay Syrah**, declaring both as her favorites for their distinct and rich flavors. She describes the Martinborough Pinot Noir as robust and broody, while the Hawke’s Bay Syrah is silky and elegant. With barbecue season on the horizon, she looks forward to pairing these wines with grilled meats and lively conversations.

For those seeking specific recommendations, Cribb highlights two notable selections:

– **Oak Estate Syrah 2023** from Hawke’s Bay, priced at $34, which boasts flavors of juicy red and black berries and a velvety mouthfeel.
– **Alexia Méthode Traditionnelle Rosé** from Wairarapa, available for $42, characterized by its crispness and vibrant notes of strawberry, citrus, and hazelnut.

With her final column, Cribb invites readers to embrace the joy of wine tasting and to explore the diverse offerings available in 2025. She concludes with a cheerful “Happy sipping. See you in 2026,” leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for the year ahead.