La Monella Ambrato Organic Riesling 2023

La Monella Ambrato Organic Riesling is a dry, amber-hued Central Otago Riesling with ripe citrus, savoury detail and a rich, layered texture pulled into line by bright, crystalline acidity. Made by Kelly Washington from certified organic fruit grown in Pisa, it is naturally fermented and matured in clay amphora with a hands-off approach that gives Riesling a distinctly textural, slightly wild edge. There is plenty of freshness beneath the depth, making this an intriguing choice for drinkers keen to explore a less conventional side of the variety. Try it with pork belly, roast pumpkin or gently spiced dishes.

What the winery says:

The Riesling comes from Pisa in Central Otago, where the soils are fine loam over alluvial gravels. The 2023 fruit was hand harvested on 24 April, chilled and held for five days before whole bunch pressing. After settling for 48 hours, the clear juice was transferred to a small clay amphora, where fermentation began naturally and finished dry after six weeks. The wine then remained in amphora for a further four months before being gently racked and bottled with only a small sulphur addition. It is 100% certified organic Riesling, suitable for vegans, with 14% alcohol and 1.2 g/L residual sugar. The winery notes ripe citrus, an attractive savoury character, a rich, textured palate and a finish driven by crystalline acidity.