Waitaki wine
Limestone soils have helped create a distinctive terroir.
‘ Central” dominates the Otago region’s wine industry, but vines are also sprouting in the Waitaki Valley, North Otago. Since the first plantings in 2001, the vineyard area has expanded to 65ha, devoted principally to pinot noir and pinot gris, with pockets of riesling, chardonnay and gewürztraminer.
Prevailing north-westerly winds warm the valley, but when cool easterlies funnel in from the coast, the temperatures drop. Limestone soils – quite different from Central Otago’s slate and schist – help to create a distinctive terroir (ecology).
The Waitaki Valley’s reds are typically floral and supple, with fresh acidity and often a herbal twist. Many believe the valley’s reputation will ultimately be based on its aromatic whites, especially pinot gris and riesling.
Ostler Waitaki Valley North Otago The Cleavage Rosé 2020
Full of personality, this is a pinot gris-based rosé with a splash of pinot noir. Light pink, it is lively, with fresh strawberry and spice flavours, a hint of apricot, appetising acidity and excellent vigour and depth. (13.5% alc/vol) $25
Valli Waitaki Vineyard North Otago Pinot Noir 2019
From Grant Taylor, one of Central Otago’s most experienced winemakers, this highly fragrant red was hand-picked, matured in French oak barriques and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright ruby, it is a stylish, youthful wine, with good density of vibrant cherry, spice and herb flavours, a hint of tamarillo, fresh acidity and supple tannins. Well worth cellaring. (13% alc/vol) $79
Ostler Waitaki Valley Pinot Noir 2018
Designed as a “regional” pinot noir, this gentle, ruby-hued wine was grown at three sites in the valley. Drinking well now, it is strongly varietal and supple, with moderately strong cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours showing good balance and complexity. (13.5% alc/ vol) $35
Tatty Bogler Waitaki Valley North Otago Pinot Noir 2015
Showing some maturity, this barrelaged red has a fragrant, slightly leafy bouquet. Vibrant and supple, it is strongly varietal, with moderately concentrated cherry, plum, herb and spice flavours, fresh acidity and good complexity. (13.5% alc/vol) $45
Black Stilt Waitaki Valley North Otago Pinot Noir 2015
Ready to roll, this ruby-hued, single-vineyard red is mediumbodied, with herbal aromas. It has good depth of spicy, slightly nutty flavours that are showing considerable complexity and maturity. (13% alc/vol) $39 l