Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year winner Nina Downer (from left) with second place-getter Katrina O’Reilly and Maxine Jing (third place). Photo: supplied I always mention the young viticulturist and winemaker competitions as these hard-working young men and women are the future of our industry. Spare a thought for them at this time of year, venturing out in sometimes sub-zero temperatures to do the very important job of pruning. The Central Otago leg of the competition was held at Central Otago Polytech in early July, with seven contestants rotating through a series of viticultural questions and challenges including pruning, irrigation, trellising, budgeting and an interview; each concluding with a speech at the awards dinner at Carrick Winery & Restaurant that evening. Congratulations to Nina Downer from Felton Road Winery, last year’s defending champion. In second place was Katrina O’Reilly from Chard Farm, with Maxine Jing from Burn Cottage taking out third. Also competing were Hannah Chamberlain, Callum Scarborough, Leach Purchase and Katherine Hirsh. Nina goes on to represent Central Otago in the national finals in August. Quartz Reef bubbly I’m certainly not alone in reveling in the celebratory aspect of bubbly in all its guises, also enjoying it as a wonderful aperitif. A Mother’s Day winemaker lunch at Titi tipped things on its head for me when Quartz Reef wines kindly invited me as a guest. Wine and food pairings typically focus on still wines, but in this lunch the trio of Quartz Reef methode traditionelle wines were centre stage. The kitchen team had worked on some inspiring food matches to accompany the Quartz Reef Methode Traditionelle Brut, the methode traditionelle rose, and finally the vintage methode traditionelle blanc de blanc. Their compatibility with the food courses was a real highlight for me: something that I must repeat! Apres ski at Mt Difficulty It’s that time of year when ski buffs will be eagerly planning trips to Central Otago. Hungry wine lovers should keep the Mt Difficulty restaurant in mind as winemaker Greg Lane is dragging rare museum wines and large format bottlings out of its cellar for fortunate diners on its "Cellar Sundays". 2018 Domaine Rewa Central Otago Riesling Price RRP $38 Rating Excellent A hint of colour shift and flavour development. Rose’s Lime Fruit Cordial, hay, red apple skin and flesh. Full in the mouth, all apple and honey at first with a light touch of residual sweetness, neatly balanced by freshness and racy acidity. Delightful purity to the flavours with a grainy touch on the close adding to the textural interest. Vibrancy and deliciousness. www.domainerewa.com 2021 Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Central Otago Riesling Price RRP $34 Rating Excellent to Outstanding Subtle at first sniff but blossoms offering anise/ licorice, white flowers/ florality. Wisps of honey, dusty minerality and apple. Power to the fruit expression, yet underlying delicacy and elegance. A touch of sweetness frames the apple and honey before the acidity whips this into line; crunchy texture like biting into a juicy apple. Nice balance and super, flavour-filled close. www.mishasvineyard.com 2023 Maude Mt Maude East Block Wanaka Riesling Price RRP $32 Rating Outstanding Bright nose, hay/straw, apple, spices, an impression of chalkiness, honeyed florality with aeration. Brimming with flavour, fruit cordial, fruit pastille, spices, a honeyed backdrop, citrus beginning to drive this more, a little chalky fruit pith alongside a tangy, tingly quality. The sugar-acid counterpoint is lovely. Crunchy, tingly and zesty with so much flavour and a long carry. www.maudewines.com
