Wild Earth Wines puts Central Otago's dry white wine foot forward this week with two new releases, which are reviewed here. But first, what Central Otago does red and white wine production look like today?
The region is diverse with vineyards spread far and wide from Alexandra, Bannockburn and Bendigo to Cromwell, Gibbston, Northern, Pisa and Wanaka, to name the best known parts of Central. Red wine rules the roost here with Pinot Noir accounting for 1,765 hectares of the region's total 2,163 hectares, leaving a smidgeon of vineyard area for other varieties.
Central Otago in a snapshot
Total hectares of producing grapes planted: 2,163 hectares
Pinot Noir 1,765 hectares
Pinot Gris 171 hectares
Chardonnay 105 hectares
Riesling 54 hectares
Sauvignon Blanc 40 hectares
My reviews of Wild Earth's new wines
17.5/20
2023 Wild Earth Riesling RRP $30
Lime juice and zest make every sip of this medium dry Riesling sing with freshness. It has a medium body and long finish with bold fruity layers of flavour; think: white peach, nectarine and honey in a juicy, well balanced, succulent youth wine. it drinks well now and can age further for 10+ years.
2024 Wild Earth Chardonnay $35
Fresh vibrant citrus aromas frame a fleshy mid palate with succulent nectarine and white peach aromas leading into a Chardonnay with notes of caramel and and a lingering finish. This is a young wine, which will evolve further over the next four to five years. It drinks well now and can age further.
