Central Otago Wines
In the deep, far south, indeed the most southernly wine growing region in the world, lies Central Otago, in the heart of New Zealand’s skiing region. Situated around the town of Queenstown, and surrounded by the Southern Alps, the region enjoys warm summer, but cold, snowy winters, yet has recently become one of the premier regions in the world for the production of elegant, almost Burgundian style Pinot Noir.
About The Central Central Otago Wine Region
Vines were not planted here until the 1990s; the region is also the highest in terms of altitude in the country, and the vineyards are largely planted in the sheltered areas, facing east, of the Alps. Vineyard owners use defences against frost, such as wind machines, water sprinklers and even helicopters to prevent frost from settling, in order to protect the vines. Despite the freezing winters, the summers are some of the hottest in the country, and this combination leads to wines, which are bright in flavour, and character, benefitting from the warm ripening season, and the cold, cooling nights.
Central Otago is becoming famous for its Pinot Noir, which is often more intense and structured than other New Zealand regions. It is also producing some top quality Riesling and one of New Zealand’s rising stars, Pinot Gris.