Invivo Wine Nights @ Helm Bar

Last week Helm Bar launched its summer series of Wine Nights in partnership with Invivo Wines and it was the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about wine. Rob Cameron, Invivo's winemaker, was on hand to introduce the range, taking us through the wine making process and tasting notes.

First up was Bella, a low alcohol (9%) Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough), great find for those after a low calorie wine that does not compromise on the taste. Fruity and citrusy, Bella is soft and full in texture and quite refreshing.

Next up Invivo Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough), its tropical aromas will make you think of summer sunshine, well, that's how Rob put it. This beautiful full bodied wine matched perfectly with the Tempura Prawns served with wasabi mayo. Cheers to summer sunshine!

Caramelised Onion and Goats Cheese Frittata

Moving onto the reds, the spicy musk scented Invivo Pinot Gris (Marlborough) was up first; matched with soft and cheesy Caramelised Onion and Goats Cheese Frittata, it is a full bodied fruity red with soft texture, very easy on the palate.

Sophie's Rosé (Marlborough), made using the French saignée method, is named after Sophie Findlay of Zambesi, a New Zealand fashion designer who helped to design the unique Invivo label. This dry Rosé has a beautiful rose petal colour, smells like crushed strawberries and tastes of berries and citrus. Rob noted that it will match seafood perfectly, but I can only attest to the flavours of the wine on its own. The waiters serving the matching canapés Sichuan Salt and Pepper Calamari completely missed our table on their rounds.

Last wine of the night was the Invivo Pinot Noir (Central Otago), Rob was particularly proud of this one. Handmade and aged in oak over spring and summer then bottled without any filtration, using the winemaker's words, it is a labour of love. With an earthy tone, dark cherries and plums to the nose, this is a sweet red that was the perfect partner in crime to the Peking Duck Pancakes.

This range of premium New Zealand wine from Invivo, "in life", would make a great companion for summer nights. And for five weeks, a different Invivo wine will be on offer each Thursday night from 5pm at $5 a glass, now that's good value!

Helm Bar: Aquarium Wharf, Wheat Rd, Darlingharbour, NSW 2000