Wild Earth - Two Central Otago wines

Posted by Andrew Chapman, 9:56pm 02/02/2008. Leave a comment

One of our favourite importers dropped by this week with a couple of wines tucked under her arm, begging to be tried.

Wild Earth is a Central Otago winery. At 45^o south, Central Otago is the world's southernmost winemaking region. It is mountainous, rising to over 2000 metres with the vines planted among spectacular alpine scenery. The vineyards are the highest in New Zealand, located between 200 and 400 metres above sea level.

Central Otago is rapidly developing an International reputation for top quality Pinot Noir. More than 70% of grapes grown in Central Otago are Pinot Noir, as this early ripening variety is suited to the short growing season that results from such a southerly location. The key factor in Central Otago is the position of the vineyards. They need to be sited to ensure that the grapes ripen fully during the short window available to them. One of the best areas is Bannockburn, which is where Wild Earth's main vineyard is situated.

The Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2006 is a lovely wine: Dark blackcurrant, bramble, spice smoky plum and wild gamey aromatics, a warm rich complex mouth feel showing elegance, dark brooding flavours and a long persistent finish.

Wild Earth Riesling 2006 sits, stylistically, somewhere between the Clare Valley in Australia and a German Riesling, perhaps from the Mosel. Limey with hints of grapefruit, there is residual sugar, making this a distinctly 'medium'style. Excellent balance and a lovely zingy, fresh acidity. Great as an aperitif, but probably great with fusion food too - something I shall test out in coming months and report back on.

But for now, I'll settle for finishing off the Pinot Noir. Not a 'monster wine' - see tonight's earlier post. But certainly one that would make any Pinot-lover very happy.

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