Central Otago, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Central Otago is the southernmost wine growing region in the world, located at a latitude of 45 degrees south, on New Zealand’s south island. A spectacular landscape makes the region one of the most scenic wine regions if not in the world then certainly in New Zealand. Central to the region is the tourist destination of Queenstown, which is a great base to make wine trips from.
Heavy mineral deposits in silt loams are typical for the soils in Central Otago, but is unlike any other region in New Zealand. The Otago region is the countries only ‘continental’ wine growing region.
Pinot Noir is the flagship red varietal, which is very well suited to the regions large diurnal shifts (a large diurnal shift means a big difference between low and high temperatures) and also the regions long, cool and dry autumn. The Pinot Noirs coming out of the Otago region are most often fragrant, lush Pinot Noirs with silky textures and true fruit intensity.
Aromatic whites also thrive, in particular Riesling where anything from bone-dry to very sweet can be made. Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and lesser amounts of Chardonnay is also made to a very high quality. Central Otago is in Jancis Robinson’s top five New World wine producing regions.
The north-eastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia ranks with Tuscany and Piedmont in terms of quality of output. Nearly 62% of the wine produced in the region falls under a DOC designation - there are 11 DOC and 3 DOCG regions.
The best vineyards in the region are in the foothills of the Alps, facing south to receive direct sunlight and cool evening breezes blowing off the Adriatic. The soil is rich in calcium and sandstone, with patches of sand and gravel.
The region's output is about 60% white and 40% red. Friulano is the most famous variety, known for creating crisp, floral whites with great ageing potential, and Merlot is the leading red wine grape. There has also been a revival of orange wine in the region of the past decade.
Heavy mineral deposits in silt loams are typical for the soils in Central Otago, but is unlike any other region in New Zealand. The Otago region is the countries only ‘continental’ wine growing region.
Pinot Noir is the flagship red varietal, which is very well suited to the regions large diurnal shifts (a large diurnal shift means a big difference between low and high temperatures) and also the regions long, cool and dry autumn. The Pinot Noirs coming out of the Otago region are most often fragrant, lush Pinot Noirs with silky textures and true fruit intensity.
Aromatic whites also thrive, in particular Riesling where anything from bone-dry to very sweet can be made. Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and lesser amounts of Chardonnay is also made to a very high quality. Central Otago is in Jancis Robinson’s top five New World wine producing regions.
The north-eastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia ranks with Tuscany and Piedmont in terms of quality of output. Nearly 62% of the wine produced in the region falls under a DOC designation - there are 11 DOC and 3 DOCG regions.
The best vineyards in the region are in the foothills of the Alps, facing south to receive direct sunlight and cool evening breezes blowing off the Adriatic. The soil is rich in calcium and sandstone, with patches of sand and gravel.
The region's output is about 60% white and 40% red. Friulano is the most famous variety, known for creating crisp, floral whites with great ageing potential, and Merlot is the leading red wine grape. There has also been a revival of orange wine in the region of the past decade.
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With a wine history dating back more than 4,000 years and a climate ideally suited to viticulture, Italy is one of the most diverse winemaking countries in the world. Aquilani draws from this diversity and produces Italian wines of regionality and ... Learn MoreAquilani Pinot Grigio 2020$16.89 Per itemOut of stock -
This outstanding Pinot Grigio has fantastic definition of pure fruit flavours and a wonderfully rounded balance. High altitude vineyards, small yields and dedicated winemaking by this fantastic cooperative combine to produce a wine that is fresh, versatile and enjoyable. Exceptional ... Learn MorePoggio Dei Principi Pinot Grigio 2018$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The grapes for this wine come from the vineyards in Central Otago’s Cromwell basin. This wine displays delicious very ripe Pinot Gris aromatics reminiscent of a fruit cocktail full of rock melon, pineapple and stonefruit nice detail is added ... Learn MoreMt Difficulty 'Roaring Meg' Pinot Gris 2020$24.99 Per item -
From a single vineyard high above the Tagliamento river, it’s pinot grigio, pure and direct. A fresh nose of subtle stone fruit, spice and a hint of musk. Pure and beautifully layered with flavours of nashi pear and apples. ... Learn MoreMaretti Friuli Pinot Grigio 2020$24.99 Per item -
From a single vineyard high above the Tagliamento river, it’s pinot grigio, pure and direct. A fresh nose of subtle stone fruit, spice and a hint of musk. Pure and beautifully layered with flavours of nashi pear and apples. ... Learn MoreTaglia Friuli Pinot Grigio 2019$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The grapes for this wine come from the vineyards in Central Otago’s Cromwell basin. This wine displays delicious very ripe Pinot Gris aromatics reminiscent of a fruit cocktail full of rock melon, pineapple and stonefruit nice detail is added ... Learn MoreMt Difficulty 'Roaring Meg' Pinot Gris 2019$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Sourced from several Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir has aromas of black Doris plums, blueberries ... Learn MoreRockburn Devil'S Staircase Pinot Noir 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
From a single vineyard high above the Tagliamento river, it’s pinot grigio, pure and direct. A fresh nose of subtle stone fruit, spice and a hint of musk. Pure and beautifully layered with flavours of nashi pear and apples. ... Learn MoreTaglia Friuli Pinot Grigio 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The grapes for this wine come from the vineyards in Central Otago’s Cromwell basin. This wine displays delicious very ripe Pinot Gris aromatics reminiscent of a fruit cocktail full of rock melon, pineapple and stonefruit nice detail is added ... Learn MoreMt Difficulty 'Roaring Meg' Pinot Gris 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and sourced from Rockburn’s Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Gris takes the willing down into the realm of decadence and ... Learn MoreRockburn Devil'S Staircase Pinot Gris 2020$26.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Sourced from several Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir has aromas of black Doris plums, blueberries ... Learn MoreRockburn Devil'S Staircase Pinot Noir 2019$26.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Peachy fragrance with fresh, floral aromas. Great vibrancy, texture and balance with a creamy mouth feel and notes of pear skin, nectarine and citrus. The finish is clean and crisp without being excessively dry. Fruit is sourced from a young ... Learn MoreBabo Prosecco Nv$26.99 Per item -
Floral and pear aromas with fig and date dried fruits leading to nice nutty notes in the background. The fresh pear and floral flavours highlight a lively and textured mid palate, before a dry saline tone brings back the nutty ... Learn MoreChard Farm Pinot Gris 2019$28.00 Per item -
“An early bottling in a traditional ‘nouveau’ style. It is terrific to see so clearly, the flavours of two of our oldest and most favourite vineyards without the overlay of extended oak ageing and complex winemaking. We like to enjoy ... Learn MoreAkarua Pinot Noir 'Rouge' 2020$28.99 Per itemOut of stock -
“An early bottling in a traditional ‘nouveau’ style. It is terrific to see so clearly, the flavours of two of our oldest and most favourite vineyards without the overlay of extended oak ageing and complex winemaking. We like to enjoy ... Learn MoreAkarua Pinot Noir 'Rouge' 2019$28.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Classic Italian Pinot Grigio - our best selling imported white wine. Made by the brilliant Cescon family - 3rd generation winemakers based just outside of Venice (this wine is sourced from their vineyard in Friuli- the home of Pinot Grigio). ... Learn More -
89% Glera and 11% Pinot Noir from vineyards on the alluvial soils of San Martino al Tagliamento near Pordenone in Fruili. Justin Bubb crafts his Prosecco rosé in the regionally traditional charmat method, and leaves the blend on lees to build further ... Learn MoreBabo Prosecco Rose NV$29.99 Per item -
Well balanced and aged Reserve Pinot Noir from Central Otago ... Learn MoreAnthem Reserve Pinot Noir 2009$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Classic Italian Pinot Grigio - our best selling imported white wine. Made by the brilliant Cescon family - 3rd generation winemakers based just outside of Venice (this wine is sourced from their vineyard in Friuli- the home of Pinot Grigio). ... Learn MoreOut of stock -
"We are conscious that each of us, within its own limit, can give its active contribution to the battle against pollution for a cleaner tomorrow starting from today. In our vineyards we use only methods that guarantee full respect of ... Learn More -
The nose is dense and intriguing, with layered black and blue berry fruits, toasted spice, cola and an ethereal floral lift. The palate is velvety and plush up front, brimming with wild berry fruits, currants, lightly roasted coffee beans and ... Learn MoreNanny Goat Pinot Noir 2020$32.99 Per item -
The nose is dense and intriguing, with layered black and blue berry fruits, toasted spice, cola and an ethereal floral lift. The palate is velvety and plush up front, brimming with wild berry fruits, currants, lightly roasted coffee beans and ... Learn MoreNanny Goat Pinot Noir 2019$32.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Far from a sold-out rarity, as is often the case with heavily awarded wines; RUA Pinot Noir is widely available in NZ and beloved by Kiwis who describe it as their ‘go to’ and ‘everyday’ wine. ... Learn MoreAkarua 'Rua' Pinot Noir 2017$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The grapes are grown in the vineyards of Budignacco, Pozar and Dragica, at elevations from 100 to 140 meters (325 to 475 feet) above sea level. Straw yellow with light greenish reflections. The characteristic aromas of this vineyard are well perceived with pleasant notes ... Learn More -
This unique Blanc de Noir was made from 100% Pinot noir grapes, grown on our family owned vineyard. Ripe hand picked fruit and gentle winemaking have given a wonderfully balanced wine. The elegant champagne colour resulted from minimal skin contact prior ... Learn MoreWooing Tree Blondie 2020$36.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Exuding elegance & finesse. Pale yellow with a bouquet of green apple and hints of lime and brioche. On the palate, this is flirtatious and moreish. Enhanced by an invigorating cool, creamy acidity. Focused, cool and crisp with beautiful balance and ... Learn MoreQuartz Reef Methode Traditionelle Nv$36.00 Per item -
This unique Blanc de Noir was made from 100% Pinot noir grapes, grown on our family owned vineyard. Ripe hand picked fruit and gentle winemaking have given a wonderfully balanced wine. The elegant champagne colour resulted from minimal skin contact prior ... Learn MoreWooing Tree The Blondie 2019$39.00 Per itemOut of stock -
It gets the same meticulous treatment in the vineyard as our top Pinot Noir, and our yields are extremely low, creating a concentrated expression of our unique site. Averaging only 300 cases per vintage, our Dry Riesling is a rare find. ... Learn MoreProphet'S Rock Dry Riesling 2019$39.00 Per item -
Such a popular Pinot Noir every year, we often think it must be the best value you can find in Central Otago. The 2020 Maude is sourced from Central Otago’s premium sub regions, each contributing to this savoury, complex Pinot ... Learn MoreMaude Pinot Noir 2020$39.99 Per item -
Such a popular Pinot Noir every year, we often think it must be the best value you can find in Central Otago. The 2018 Maude is sourced from Central Otago’s premium sub regions, each contributing to this savoury, complex Pinot ... Learn MoreMaude Pinot Noir 2019$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Such a popular Pinot Noir every year, we often think it must be the best value you can find in Central Otago. The 2018 Maude is sourced from Central Otago’s premium sub regions, each contributing to this savoury, complex Pinot ... Learn MoreMaude Pinot Noir 2018$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A wonderful expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir. A luscious and fruit focussed Pinot Noir with great flavour and lovely soft tannin. The grapes for this wine was grown in the Bendigo (43%), Pisa (29%), and Gibbston (28%) sub-regions of Central Otago. The ... Learn MorePeregrine Saddleback Pinot Noir 2018$40.00 Per item -
Devil’s Staircase wines are inspired by the winding road leading from Queenstown to Kingston along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Sourced from several Central Otago vineyards, the Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir has aromas of black Doris plums, blueberries ... Learn MoreRockburn Pinot Noir 2019$41.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Pungent, fruity pinot gris with ripe pear, quince and subtle honeysuckle flavours, with a drying backbone of fine tannins and vibrant acidity. - Bob Campbell Founded in 1999 by Paul Pujol, the two stunning vineyards that combine to make Prophet's Rock's ... Learn MoreProphet's Rock Pinot Gris 2019$41.99 Per item -
Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to cultivate that grows best in cooler climates, hence the growing reputation for quality in the Central Otago region. Our terroir produces fruit that is intensely coloured and brimming with flavour. This fruit ... Learn MoreNevis Bluff Pinot Noir 2015$43.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with ripe plum, raspberry and dark cherry flavours. Focused, fresh and soft-textured wine with an easy appeal. ... Learn MoreFreeland Wines Pinot Noir 2009$44.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The Rippon Jeunesse Young Vine Riesling 2019 vintage is a stellar release; a kaleidoscope of flavours from lime to grapefruit, juicy and tart and sweet-sour all at once. So much length, great texture with an almost crunchy finish. Brilliant expression of ... Learn MoreRippon 'Jeunesse' Riesling 2019$44.99 Per item -
A red ruby-coloured wine. An intricate well decided scent. At first it bouquets a sweetly vanilla flavour and forest fruits combined with peculiar ripe fruit scents of plums and morello. After the malolactic fermentation the “new wine” follows refining in ... Learn MoreCantina Ionis Primitivo di Manduria 2018$45.00 Per item -
Amisfield's flagship wine, has bright, focused dark fruits classic to the Central Otago region with a botanic note and a hint of cinnamon. The palate is broad, complex and lush with dark chocolate characters and gripping tannins on the finish. ... Learn MoreAmisfield Pinot Noir 2019$45.00 Per item -
A red ruby-coloured wine. An intricate well decided scent. At first it bouquets a sweetly vanilla flavour and forest fruits combined with peculiar ripe fruit scents of plums and morello. After the malolactic fermentation the “new wine” follows refining in ... Learn MoreCantina Ionis Primitivo di Manduria 2016$45.00 Per itemOut of stock
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