Country: New Zealand Region: Central Otago
Varietal: Riesling
Vintage: 2017 Colour: White Style: Dry
Producer: Wild Earth Wines
Wild Earth founder Quintin Quider is an expatriate Californian who has spent many...
years living on the South Island. He has gathered a small, dedicated team to produce his Wild Earth range in Central Otago. Established in 1998, Wild Earth Wines owns 35 hectares of vineyards in two of the region's finest locations - at the end of Felton Road overlooking the Kawarau River and in the North Lowburn district beneath the imposing Pisa Range.
Vineyards
The grapes for this wine came from the Bannockburn Estate Vineyard at the end of Felton Road. The vines are situated on a broad terrace close to the Kawarau River with full exposure to the northern sun. The Riesling block covers just under 2 hectares and is planted with 4,977 vines. This harvest was the third time Wild Earth has made their own wine from this fruit.
Vintage Information
The 2009 vintage saw good fruit set due to warm weather in December. However, the remainder of the season was unusually cool, resulting in a lighter harvest. Due to the slow ripening and lower crop level, the grapes developed excellent fruit intensity and sweetness.
Vinification
A single small tank fermentation was undertaken. The juice was innoculated and the must underwent a cool fermentation, where temperature was controlled over a period of time. Fermentation was stopped by chilling in order to balance the natural acidity with residual sugar. The wine was fined then filtered before being bottled in mid November.
Tasting Notes
Perfumes of white flowers such as jasmine and orange blossom, red apples and lemon meringue pie. On the palate, this wine has flavours of nectarines, apricots, red apples and lemon, showing a touch of sweetness, bright acidity and a lingering finish. The natural sweetness is well-balanced with natural acidity to give a clean and fresh finish.
