Grape Variety: 100% Riesling

Growing Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Chief Winemaker: Matt Thomson

TASTING NOTE:
As many of you know - I enjoy Riesling in all its forms - and with the stunning summer many of us have been enjoying over the past weeks, what better way to refresh the senses before enjoying the catch of the day or a summer salad. Riesling is a variety which is highly 'terroir-expressive', meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine's place of origin.

The fruit for this wine was sourced from the notoriously stony Falcon Vineyard, in the Rapaura district of the Wairau valley in Marlborough. Falcon Vineyard was the foundation site for Lake Chalice Wines, and on part of an old river course. The vines must be carefully coaxed and nurtured to grow on these stony, sandy soils. Harvest yields are low but the fruit is intensely flavoured, hence their motto: "let the fruit do the talking".

The grapes were picked on the 5th of April at 19.2 brix to retain the fresh citrus flavours. After pressing the fruit underwent a long, cool controlled fermentation which was stopped with 27 grams of sugar per litre remaining to give the wine a low alcohol of 9%.

Have your sunglasses handy when pouring this wine - as in the glass you are greeted by a bright, pale straw colour. On the nose - the wine has a delicate aroma, alive with fresh citrus characters of sweet lime and mandarin with subtle floral notes. The palate has great structure and nicely balanced acidity lead to a lively, lingering finish. Best served lightly chilled 8C to 10C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer season; and over the next 2-3 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match as an aperitif, with shellfish, Asian cuisine, or a summer salad, enjoy.

A racy and refreshing Riesling.