The Kiwis were in Dublin last week for the annual New Zealand wine fair. There are more strings to New Zealand's bow than consistent zesty crisp sauvignon blanc and fruity silky pinot noir.

Having tasted my way around the country, it's not a stretch to say that syrah will prominently feature in New Zealand's future, along with some other surprising white aromatic varieties.

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2010

Expect to pay: €20

Kevin Judd was formerly the eponymous winemaker with Cloudy Bay, one of the most revered sauvignon blanc producers in New Zealand, if not the world. Then, he decided to start again with his own project, Greywacke. The result? A sauvignon blanc from New Zealand to get really excited about. Why pay twice the price of a supermarket equivalent? In a word, quality.

Available from: good wine shops nationwide

Greywacke 'Wild' Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2009

Expect to pay: €27

Kevin Judd has taken his time with this one. Wild yeast fermentation in old oak barrels, malolactic fermentation and rested for over 16 months before release. Hallmarks of New Zealand sauvignon blanc but with layers of creaminess, richness. If your quest is to find the best sauvignon blanc in the world, then look no further.

Available from: good wine shops nationwide

Tinpot Hut, Gruner Veltliner, 2010

Expect to pay: €19

There aren't too many places outside Austria where gruner veltliner is grown. But here, from New Zealand, like many other aromatic whites, it works and works very well. This is comparable to some of the top-end gruner veltliners from Austria which can cost twice the price. This is far more than a curio or novelty. This is a seriously good gruner.

Available from: good wine shops nationwide

Man O'War Dreadnought, Syrah, Waiheke Island, 2008

Expect to pay: €30

In Australia, they call it shiraz, but in New Zealand, it's syrah, where it reflects the style they're going for. Man O'War are based on Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from Auckland, and it's here syrah is making a big name for itself. Cool-climate syrah will be mentioned more than once this year and it's easy to see why. Floral, dark fruit, spice, wrapped in a velvety texture.

Available from: O'Brien's nationwide