Peregrine Riesling 2009 750ml

Winery: Peregrine

Varietal: Riesling

Riesling grapes have been grown in and around central Europe for centuries, and over time, they became the lasting symbol of south Germany's ancient and proud wine culture. Whilst the reputation of German wines abroad has in the past been mixed, the Germans themselves take an enormous amount of pride in their wineries, and Riesling grapes have now spread around the globe, growing anywhere with the correct climate in which they can thrive. Riesling grape varietals generally require much cooler climatic conditions than many other white grapes, and they are generally considered to be a very 'terroir expressive' varietal, meaning that the features and characteristics of the terroir they are grown on comes across in the flavors and aromas in the bottle. It is this important feature which has allowed Riesling wines to be elevated into the category of 'fine' white wines, as the features of the top quality bottles are generally considered to be highly unique and offer much to interest wine enthusiasts.

Region: Central Otago

Central Otago, in southern New Zealand, is probably one of the most visually beautiful wine regions on earth, with its gorgeously mountainous landscape, glacial valley sides and stunning views over some of the most dramatic land formations found anywhere. It is widely renowned in the wine world as being the planet's most southerly wine region, situated at a latitude of forty five degrees south of the equator. This extreme position provides a fascinating micro climate in the region, which western settlers discovered almost a hundred and fifty years ago was ideal for viticulture. Today, the wine industry of Central Otago is booming, and the Pinot Noir grapes which thrive most successfully there are renowned for producing big, flavorful and characterful red wines which have gone on to become a flagship for Central Otago's wineries.

Country: New Zealand

When it comes to New World wines, few countries can compete with Europe quite as well as New Zealand, where modern techniques and technologies are allowing wineries to get the very best results from the wide range of imported grape varieties which flourish there. The warm, sunny climate coupled with brisk oceanic winds and remarkably fertile volcanic soils produce grapes of exceptional quality, and New Zealand wines are notable for their ability to carry the terroir they are grown on into the bottle. Whilst the Sauvignon Blanc wines are probably the most widely exported and popular to come out of new Zealand, fantastic results have been produced from the Bordeaux style wines made in the Auckland region, and the Pinot Noir wines of Central Otago. These Pinot Noir wines are far more fleshy than their Burgundy counterparts, and are probably best enjoyed when young, and bursting with the fruit flavors they carry so well.