Central Otago

Central Otago differs from every other New Zealand wine region, being closest to France’s Burgundy and its continental climate. Up in the Southern Alps maritime influence is minimal but sunlight is maximal. Intense sun and heat benefit from the handbrake of very cool nights, so the acids stay alive and vibrant while the sugars ripen quickly in this short, very southern summer. Although Central doesn’t have much limestone the alpine soil is still stony and mineral rich, lending itself to the famous local Pinot Noir and stylish Chardonnay as well as Riesling, aromatics and superb but widely underrated minerally Sauvignon Blanc.