Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2019
With its large diurnal temperature range and long lingering autumns, North Canterbury is an ideal playground for Riesling, and the Pegasus Bay Bel Canto is a perfect example of this. After an extended hang time, the grapes were picked with a portion of noble botrytis. Once at the winery the free run juice was then fermented slowly at cool temperatures to help the wine retain its vibrant fruit characters and varietal purity. Alcoholic fermentation was left to continue until a residual sugar level of around 6 g/l was achieved. At all stages, the wine was handled very carefully to help retain a little of its natural carbon dioxide. This has resulted in a small amount of spritzing, which adds extra liveliness to the wine and accentuates its freshness. Upon release it is lemon straw in colour. The bouquet is an enticing medley of citrus and stone fruit, interspersed with floral notes of elderflower and honeysuckle. Layered beneath there are also hints of ginger, honey and spice. The long hang time and influence of botrytis has resulted in a wine that is rich and full bodied, with ripe phenolics that add structure and length. It is concentrated yet delicate, with invigorating acidity and a satisfyingly dry finish.
Wine File
The Producer Pegasus Bay | Waipara
Pegasus Bay is Canterbury’s top winery and can challenge – even match – the very best from elsewhere. In 1985, Ivan Donaldson established what is now Pegasus Bay’s home vineyard with wife, Christine and their four sons...
Other wines from this producer
Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2019
Pegasus Bay Maestro 2016
The Region New Zealand | Canterbury
The Canterbury region in New Zealand's South Island consists of two major wine areas; the plains (including Banks Peninsula) around the city of Christchurch, and the more recently developed valley area of Waipara, an hour's drive north of Christchurch. While grapes were first planted in Akaroa in...
Other wines from this region
Muddy Water Chardonnay 2016
Muddy Water Estate Pinot Noir 2018
Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2019
Pegasus Bay Maestro 2016
Muddy Water Hare's Breath Pinot Noir 2013
Muddy Water Slowhand Pinot Noir 2013
The Primary Grape Wine By Grape Variety | Riesling
Riesling is a white grape variety widely planted around the world, and has in recent years, become more fashionable again as a growing number of consumers have come to appreciate the quality of wine it produces. It is a fruity, aromatic grape variety that retains...