Pegasus Bay Estate Waipara Valley Riesling 2018

Description

• Medium-dry
• Zesty citrus & green apple
• Floral & spice notes
• Refreshing acidity

On release the colour is lemon-straw. The bouquet is an alluring potpourri of zesty citrus and green apple, interwoven with spice, perfume, floral notes and a mineral core. The palate is rich and supple, with elegant poise and a textured mouthfeel. A refreshing whip of acidity adds length and ensures the wine’s finish is harmoniously balanced. There is a lovely freshness on the close that creates liveliness and a pleasing tension.

The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining, north facing terraces. It benefits from being in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, giving maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes and thus creating a unique mesoclimate. The vines are over 30 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots. The soil is free draining and of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour. This produces low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique terroir. The vineyard has warm days, but the nights are amongst the coolest in the Waipara Valley, drawing out the ripening period of the grapes, while still retaining good natural acidity.

Settled weather during December provided optimal conditions for flowering. A very hot summer then enabled the grapes to ripen beautifully. Free draining stony soil helped mitigate the effects of some late summer rain, and the ensuing dry autumn meant the fruit was able to be picked in excellent condition.

The Donaldson Family have been seriously involved in viticulture and winemaking for over 40 years. Founder Ivan Donaldson planted the first Canterbury vineyard in 1976 and went on to establish Pegasus Bay in 1986 with his wife Christine. It is a true family business, with all four of their sons and two spouses involved.