Riesling 2022
Main Divide is the local name for the Southern Alps and is the backbone of the South Island, where grapes for Main Divide are exclusively sourced. Vineyards have been selected for their quality and ability to express unique regional flavours.
The Season
Average weather over flowering resulted in a balanced crop, meaning no further fruit thinning was carried out. This was followed by a cooler than average summer which delayed ripening. Fortunately, a warm dry autumn allowed the grapes to be left on the vines till later in the season, where they were able to achieve the desired level of ripeness.
The Harvest and Winemaking
The grapes were picked in stages during late March and early April. Some parcels were intentionally left to hang until later so they could be harvested with a portion of noble botrytis. The free run juice was then slowly fermented at cool temperatures to help the wine retain its vibrant fruit characters and varietal purity. During this time daily tasting was undertaken to assess levels of acidity, alcohol and residual sweetness, with the fermentation being stopped once the right balance was achieved. Winemaking intervention was intentionally kept to a minimum to allow the vintage, variety, and vineyard to express itself harmoniously. At all stages, from fermentation to bottling, the wine was handled very carefully to help it retain a little of its naturally dissolved carbon dioxide. This may result in a small amount of spritzig when first poured, accentuating the freshness and liveliness of the wine.
The Wine
Upon release its colour is bright lemon. The nose is a zestful medley of quince, lime, citrus blossom, and nectarine, wrapped in a steely mantle of flinty minerality. On the palate there is a lively tension, a rich and juicy mouthfeel balanced with gentle sweetness and a shot of refreshing acidity. Playful, yet full of finesse, the escapade closes with a lasting and piquant finish.
| Harvest Date | AV Brix at Harvest | Alcohol Content | R.S. | T.A. | Aging Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21st March - 13th April 2022 | 24 | 12.5% | 23 g/l | 8.4 g/l | 5 - 7 years |
Previous Tasting Notes
What the Press Say
“I challenge you to find a better value NZ Riesling for the price. A great by-the-glass option.”
“Main Divide Riesling is my top pick for wine by the glass. Crisp, fresh and steely with delicious fruit and a touch of spice. It’s a definite winner!”
“Every year this top Riesling lives up to the name it’s been honoured.”
“Every year this wine is a consistent performer.”
