Lively, zesty riesling, whether it's dry, off-dry or medium
sweet, is refreshing on a summer's day or evening. Its crisp
acidity goes well with a range of summer food - seafood,
vegetable dishes, lighter meats and, of course, cheese.
BEST VALUE
Kahurangi Nelson Dry Riesling 2011
$18
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
A crisp, dry wine, fragrant with hints of lime and lemon
marmalade, a faint suggestion of honey and a lingering, crisp
citrusy finish. Best with food with some fat, such as cheese
or oil, to cut the dry acidity.
www.kahurangiwine.com
Craggy Range Te Muna Road Martinborough Riesling
2012
$27
Four stars
Average value
Fragrant with zesty lime juice, lemongrass and grapefruit,
and lovely citrus overtones suggesting grapefruit marmalade,
but it's restrained at present, textural with a steely
backbone and tight structure that indicates it will develop
with bottle age.
www.craggyrange.com
Waimea Classic Riesling 2011
$24
Four stars
Good value
Fragrant with grapefruit zest and lime, this hints of tangelo
and lime and grapefruit marmalade, with attractive fruit and
a steely backbone. It's deliciously balanced, crisp and dry
on the finish but without the searing acidity of some. Very
drinkable.
waimeabrands.com
Black Estate Omihi Waipara Riesling 2011
$23
Thre and a half stars
Average value
With hints of honey and citrus, this is a mouth-filling wine
with undertones of lime marmalade, a suggestion of nuts, a
fresh, dryish finish and lingering aftertaste. Drinking
nicely at present. If you are passing through Waipara north
of Christchurch, visit Black Estate's new black tasting room.
www.blackestate.co.nz
Ellero Pisa Terrace Central Otago Riesling 2011
$24
Four stars
Good value
This is the first riesling from a steep hillside site above
Lake Dunstan and is suffused with a schisty minerality that
sets it apart. There's attractive fruit - lime and
grapefruit, weight in the mouth and a firm, dry, lingering
finish.
www.ellerowine.co.nz
Greywacke Marlborough Riesling 2011
$30
Four stars
Average value
There's complexity and texture here, along with enticing
aromas of lime, lemon, and fresh grapefruit, followed by
intense, almost tropical fruit, but it's tightly structured
with nuances of nuts and even caramel, and completed by a
well-balanced, dry finish. It will repay some bottle age.
www.greywacke.com
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