The wine: The Ned Black Label Waihopai River Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Where’s it from? Marlborough, New Zealand
Where to buy it: Majestic Wine or Waitrose
What it will set you back: £6.49 for 2 at Majestic
How boozy is it? 13.5%

My best friend had a flat-warming recently and asked me for advice on what a good “party wine” would be. It was a total no-brainer for me based on complicated statistical modelling (counting empties in the recycling bin) after parties of my own – the most popular guest ever has been The Ned.

The Ned in action

Who is this Ned chap? He’s a delicious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, and at £6.49 from Majestic is really, really good value. This is the perfect “neckable” wine – refreshing, crisp, easy to drink and forgiving in terms of what you pair it with.

I have served him at barbecues; with smokey bacon crisps; I’ve poured him into fish pies and drunk him at picnics. I have stood by when one of my husband’s friends has mixed him with lemonade without cringing (ok, only a little cringing.) He’s never let me down. He’s an easygoing crowd-pleaser – in fact, the UK drank 16 million cases of NZ Sauv Blanc last year and our consumption shows no signs of slowing down. Not posh, not complex – but I highly recommend you make room for him at your next celebration.

Come back and let me know what you reckon to my favourite tasty Kiwi, and thanks for reading –

LWG