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
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.
2021 Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Central Otago Riesling
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.
2023 Maude Mt Maude East Block Wanaka Riesling
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.
