Best New Zealand reds under $25
Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot from around New Zealand, all under $25 and good with dinner.
In short
- Toi Toi Pinot Noir for salmon, chicken and pork.
- Haha Syrah for lamb, steak and the barbecue.
- Stone Paddock Merlot when you want a softer red, with or without food.
A Central Otago Pinot Noir
Ripe cherry and plum, with soft tannins.
Central Otago Pinot Noir at its easiest, right at the top of our budget. Give it 20 minutes in the fridge before you pour.
- Grape
- Pinot Noir
- Good with
- Salmon, chicken, pork
- Per glass
- About $5.00
A Hawke's Bay Syrah
Dark berries and black pepper.
Hawke's Bay Syrah is lighter on its feet than an Australian Shiraz, and it loves food off the barbecue.
- Grape
- Syrah
- Good with
- Lamb, steak, barbecue
- Per glass
- About $4.00
A softer Merlot
The soft, round one.
If you want a red with less grip, Merlot gives you plum and a little chocolate, and it is easy to drink without food.
- Grape
- Merlot
- Good with
- Pasta and pizza
- Per glass
- About $4.00
Quick answers
What is a good New Zealand red under $25?
Toi Toi Central Otago Pinot Noir at the top of the budget, or Haha Syrah for less.
Should red wine be chilled?
A little. Give a light red like Pinot Noir 20 minutes in the fridge before you pour.
Which red goes with lamb?
Syrah. Its dark berries and pepper suit lamb and anything off the barbecue.
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