Rotorua truly comes to life throughout summer. As the holiday season commences, visitors flock from far and wide for wholesome family holidays and romantic getaways; drawn to the promise of long, sunny days spent in the great outdoors.
For the Regent of Rotorua, it is one of our busiest times of the year. We welcome guests from across New Zealand and the rest of the world, many of whom choose to dine at our contemporary on-site restaurant and wine bar, The Regent Room Restaurant & Bar. In preparation for this season, we take the opportunity to refresh our wine list, ensuring our offerings are suited to hot, sunny days and complement our summer menu offerings.
If you’re wondering what to select for your next visit to The Regent Room Restaurant & Bar, we suggest the following outstanding choices from our summer wine list. Each has been researched, sampled and highly recommended by Keith Larson, Certified Sommelier and Certified Italian Wine Specialist.
Escarpment Pinot Blanc
Founding winemaker and CEO for Escarpment Wines Larry McKenna is an icon in New Zealand winemaking. Known as ‘Larry McPinot’ to his friends, he has been credited for helping to place New Zealand Pinor Noir firmly on the global map. Sommeliers, winemakers, and critics recognise that the wines he touched are to be treasured, so we are delighted to have the Escarpment Pinot Blanc on the Regent of Rotorua’s wine list this summer. This particular Pinot Blanc’s barrel fermentation and lees aging lend palate weight and complexity. Bright acidity leads the way on the palate, followed by a long, lingering finish.
Taste it slice through the Bailey’s Irish Cream which is served with steamed queen scallops. A wonderful wine to begin your dining experience or to accompany a light bite on a balmy summer’s day.
Clearview Estate Reserve Chardonnay
Clearview’s consistently quaffable Chardonnays are notoriously hard to beat… That is until you happen across their Reserve offering. Grown in the Te Awanga coastal region of Hawke’s Bay, all of Clearview’s wines offer great intensity.
The Clearview Estate Reserve Chardonnay’s extra aging and full malolactic fermentation bring out tropical and stone fruit character that is ripe and full. If you adore a powerful Chardonnay, the Clearview Reserve will not disappoint.
Enjoy it alongside the chicken ballotine with potato terrine, petit vegetables and green herb velouté. The perfect pairing for a long Sunday lunch in our gorgeous poolside courtyard.
Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico
Italian wine lovers will be familiar with this classic… Or ’classico’, we should say. Chianti Classico represents the historical centre of wine production in Tuscany—the best of the best—whereas regular Chianti is much more widespread.
The difference is noteworthy and evident in this memorable red. Somewhat alarmingly, Chianti Classico in New Zealand has become scarce—so we are pleased to be able to bring you this wine at The Regent Room Rotorua.
We recommend experiencing it with the horopito seasoned venison loin, beetroot, potato purée, and blackberry. The fresh and dried herbal notes, dense berry flavours and blazing acidity will make your mouth water in the best way possible.
Eat, drink, and be merry this festive season—for who knows how much longer this wine will be with us?
To enjoy all these lovely wines and top-quality modern European dishes, stay with us at our luxury Rotorua boutique accommodation – the Regent of Rotorua. If you are a local resident, we would love to host you at the Regent Room for breakfast, lunch, high tea or dinner.
Bookings are highly recommended and can be made on our website, or you can call us on 07 348 4079 or email us.