Amisfield Central Otago Dry Riesling 2020

Description

• Off-dry style
• Lemon & mandarin
• Green apple
• Mineral acidity

"Lifted floral, wild flower aromas with punchy citrus-lime offering a first impression on the palate before finishing with a saline oyster-shell character. An intense and appealing wine supported by lively acidity" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Mar 2022

Ripe Meyer lemon and mandarin on the nose, matched to crisp green apple on the palate. The flinty, mineral acidity drives through the palate, tempered by richness from the extended time aging on lees. A serious, structured style of Riesling that will drink well now or reward up to 10 years in the cellar.

Planted in the upper reaches of Blocks 1 and 10, these vines grow in stony Lochar gravel overlaid by sandy loam.

Central Otago experienced a growing season of extremes. Rain and strong wind through November and December impacted flowering, reducing yields. This was followed by a warm and mild January which helped develop healthy canopies. At harvest, nighttime temperatures plummeted, dramatically slowing the pace of ripening. This helped retain bright acidity, and allowed picking to extend from mid-March until mid-May. The small crops ensured great concentration of flavour.

These grapes were gently pressed and the crisp refreshing juice was allowed to settle on lees for 48 hours. The juice was fermented cool using selected Alsatian yeast and a pied de cuve was used to naturally ferment a portion of the blend. The wine was matured on light fluffy lees for 5 months before bottling.