Wairau River Reserve Gruner Veltliner 2024

Wairau River Reserve Grüner Veltliner brings a bright, textural take on this Austrian variety from Marlborough's Wairau Valley. Ripe peach, grapefruit and lime meet exotic spice and a gentle peppery edge, while fine mineral acidity keeps the plush palate focused and fresh. The fruit comes from Wairau River's Angler vineyard beside the river, with a day on skins adding extra shape and grip before fermentation in stainless steel and neutral oak. Dry, poised and lively, it is an excellent match for Thai salads, pork dumplings or anything with a little chilli heat.

What the winery says:

Harvested from the Angler vineyard on 23 March 2024, the fruit was picked in the cool of the early morning, destemmed and held on skins for 24 hours before pressing. The free-run juice and light pressings were fermented separately in small-format stainless steel and neutral oak barriques. The finished wine offers ripe stone fruit, citrus and exotic spice, with a plush texture, fine mineral acidity and a long, poised finish.

What the experts say:

Cuisine Tasting Panel, Cuisine, 5 Stars and Top 15 (2024)
“Bright greens shine alongside the bright fresh fruit and citrus with hints of pepper spice on the nose and through the palate.”