River-T Wines vineyard vista in the Waitaki Valley. River -T Wines Facebook
A recent reminder that the Waitaki wine region is alive and well arrived on my doorstep in the form of three bottles of wine from three different producers.
Pinot noir is region’s signature grape variety followed by the aromatic whites, pinot gris, riesling and gewürztraminer together with some chardonnay.
Waitaki is, according to Waitaki Winegrowers, New Zealand’s second smallest region. Waitaki Winegrowers has nine members: Clos Ostler, River-T Wines, Foothill Groves Wine, Te Kano Estate, Valli Vineyards, Black Stilt Wines, Q Wine, Little Domett Estate and the intriguingly-named Dragon Bones.
The North Otago subregion of Waitaki Valley was first planted with grapevines in 2001. It boasts complex limestone/greywacke/schist soils, a very cool climate, and a long, dry growing season all of which contribute to producing aromatic wines with lively acid levels and intense varietal characteristics.
Pinot noir is region’s signature grape variety followed by the aromatic whites, pinot gris, riesling and gewürztraminer together with some chardonnay.
Waitaki Valley Wines <!– don't show the winery logo – display a generic bottle –> 4.5/5 94/100 Nockie’s Palette Waitaki Chardonnay 2021 #62 of 182 2021
This Article was originally published on The Real Review
