The world's southernmost wine region (outside of some experimental vineyards in South America) is New Zealand's Central Otago. The area is famed for its unrivaled scenery and unspoiled nature, however, a trip to the region would not be complete without sampling some of the best Pinot Noir that the world has to offer. There are many vineyards in the region but if you are short on time here are the region's most worthwhile visits.
Rippon
While the award for most picturesque vineyard is surely a hotly contested topic the view here really speaks for itself.
Rippon, like all of the vineyards of the region, produces some amazing Pinot Noir on it's schist rock planted vines.
Wines to try
Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2013
This is a great, earthy Pinot Noir with dark cherry predominant flavours so emblematic of the top tier red that Central Otago does. The price is in the typical range of top tier Otago red at $59 NZD.
Gamay
The Beaujolais grape made with a new flair will not disappoint. However like it's famous French ancestors it doesn't last long at the cellar door, in fact it is sold out at the time of writing, so keep an eye out for it and buy quick if you see it!
Mt. Difficulty
You can find Mt. Difficulty in the high desert of Cromwell. The are some interesting walks to do just down the road.
Mt. Difficulty has a great little restaurant, make sure to call ahead to get a reservation. They have a great selection of whites and their Pinot Noir is much acclaimed.
Wines to try
Mt. Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2015
This wine is a steal at $47 NZD from the cellar door. A fabulous floral nose backed up by some sweet forest floor move through to easy drinking dark cherry that is too easy to drink.
Mt. Difficulty Bannockburn Target Rielsing 2015
This is a medium style Riesling, which makes it a stand out in a country where dry, dry, dry is the prevailing wisdom with whites. Mouth filling peach flavours really make this wine easy to drink.
Wild Earth
Wild Earth is a little place which you have to reach by crossing an awesome suspension bridge over Kawarau River. A fairly unpretentious cellar door only adds to the overall old town mining feel of the whole place and leaves you feeling gobsmacked when confronted with so many delicious wines! Everything here has its merits, but here are the best!
Wines to try
Wild Earth Rosé 2016
This rosé really stands out among a crowd of rather average rosés around Central Otago. It is superb. Bright and bouncy strawberry backed up by a pleasing crispness leave you wanting more and more on a summer day.
Wild Earth Chardonnay 2016
This is a fresh, minerally Chardonnay with luscious melon on the palate. The citrus notes are pleasing and the oak is only a flickering background sensation. You will find many far inferior Chardonnays around NZ for way more that Wild Earth's modest $35 NZD price tag.
Peregrine
Peregrine has a super professional and friendly tasting room. The building itself has won some architecture awards and the barrel room is open for exploration.
Wines to try
Saddleback Pinot Noir 2015
Peregrine does some awesome premium Pinot Noir that will knock the socks of even the poshest wine snob, but so often the big boy Pinot's don't leave any room in the conversation for absolute gems like this. It is an entry level fruity Pinot quite reminiscent of fresh raspberries and wild strawberries which almost jumps out of the glass to say I am so damn tasty why are you waiting to put me in your mouth!
Peregrine Charcoal Creek Late Harvest Riesling 2015
This is one of those wines we couldn't stop talking about. It would be hard to tell the difference between a glass of this and apricot juice, except after nailing a bottle of this you will have a most pleasant buzz!
Honourable Mentions
Chard Farm While the wines are overly acidic and the tasting room leaves a bit to be desired, this place is well worth checking out just for the intense driveway!!!!!
Carrick This place is worth a stop while in Cromwell, lots of tasty reds and a cute little restaurant although the service can be a bit lacking.
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