Riesling

Riesling is one of the most versatile white grapes available, capable of everything from bone-dry to lusciously sweet styles while retaining the bright acidity that makes it so food-friendly. New Zealand's cooler regions suit the variety well, and Marlborough Riesling is worth exploring if you want to see the country's best-known wine region apply its precision to something other than Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling also does particularly well in North Canterbury's limestone soils, producing wines with real texture and length. It pairs naturally with spicy food, pork, and rich seafood, and ages better than most whites when treated well. For the wider domestic picture, White Wine covers everything else on offer, and New Zealand Wine is worth a look if you'd rather browse the country more broadly.