
Central Otago, Piedmont
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.
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is probably the finest wine region in all of Italy, and has laid claim to this since Roman times. It has a continental climate influenced by the surrounding Alps and Ligurian Apennines, and is located in the north-west of Italy, bordering both France and Switzerland.
Piedmont has only 1% of the total vineyards of Bordeaux and 15% that of Burgundy. So while a top Chateaux may produce upwards of 35,000 cases a year, leading Barolo producers will often make only 800 cases. More than half of its vineyards are registered with DOC designations and many are in the Apennine or Alpine foothills, from 300-600m above sea level. Most of the wines are produced by smaller family estates rather than larger holdings.
Piedmont has 46 different DOC and four DOCG regions, and produces the largest number of well known, world-recognized, prize-winning wines. The most famous would have to be Barolo or Barbaresco, whose power comes from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The most widely planted red variety is Barbera although Dolcetto, Muscat, Shiraz and Bonarda are also produced.
The white variety most well known is Moscato, which is often made into frizzante (bubbly) wines known as Asti. Cortese is made into the popular Gavi wines, and smaller amounts of Chardonnay and high quality Sparkling are also produced in the far north of Piedmont.
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.
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is probably the finest wine region in all of Italy, and has laid claim to this since Roman times. It has a continental climate influenced by the surrounding Alps and Ligurian Apennines, and is located in the north-west of Italy, bordering both France and Switzerland.
Piedmont has only 1% of the total vineyards of Bordeaux and 15% that of Burgundy. So while a top Chateaux may produce upwards of 35,000 cases a year, leading Barolo producers will often make only 800 cases. More than half of its vineyards are registered with DOC designations and many are in the Apennine or Alpine foothills, from 300-600m above sea level. Most of the wines are produced by smaller family estates rather than larger holdings.
Piedmont has 46 different DOC and four DOCG regions, and produces the largest number of well known, world-recognized, prize-winning wines. The most famous would have to be Barolo or Barbaresco, whose power comes from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The most widely planted red variety is Barbera although Dolcetto, Muscat, Shiraz and Bonarda are also produced.
The white variety most well known is Moscato, which is often made into frizzante (bubbly) wines known as Asti. Cortese is made into the popular Gavi wines, and smaller amounts of Chardonnay and high quality Sparkling are also produced in the far north of Piedmont.
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- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMaretti Langhe Rosso 2018$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMaretti Langhe Rosso 2017$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMaretti Langhe Rosso 2016$19.99 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 2019$24.99 Per item
- 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 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 Devil'S Staircase Pinot Noir 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock
- This is a ruby-red wine with purple highlights. The nose is packed with black fruit, especially blackberries and plums, with slight spicy overtones hinting at black pepper and cinnamon. Sweet, soft tannins come together in a closely-woven texture that merges ... Learn MoreFontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2018$24.99 Per item
- 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
- Aiming to hit the bianco sweet spot of balanced sweetness, bitterness and acidity, it incorporates 130 g/L sugar, sweet citrus, elderflower, rhubarb, cardamom, coriander, mace, orange, sage and a selection of other bitter herbs. ... Learn MoreChazalettes And Co. Vermouth De Torino Bianco Nv$28.00 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
- The wine is bottled unfiltered to retain complexity. ... Learn MoreTrediberri Barbera D'Alba 2019$28.50 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 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' 2019$28.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Well balanced and aged Reserve Pinot Noir from Central Otago ... Learn MoreAnthem Reserve Pinot Noir 2009$29.99 Per item
- Lovely fragrant florals, classic nebbiolo minerality, depth of dark cherry fruit with layers and ripe tannins on the finish. Impressive quality and value for the price here. Berri is a small hamlet in the westernmost part of La Morra, located ... Learn MoreTrediberri Langhe Nebbiolo 2019$29.99 Per item
- From 2ha in the Trifolera Cru of Barbaresco adjacent Rabaja facing north-west. Aged for six months in stainless steel. 91 Points, James Suckling. “Full-bodied with some good chewiness and structure on the palate and a fine line of acidity to back ... Learn MoreGiuseppe Cortese Dolcetto D'Alba 2017$29.99 Per item
- Here at United Cellars we work closely with producers to bring you the best wine experience. When visiting our friends at Pietro Rinaldi, we were so dissapointed to hear that they had sold out of their 2017 Argante that our customers ... Learn MorePietro Rinaldi Langhe Nebbiolo Doc 'Argante' 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Light, fragrant, red cherry and red berries, touch of spice and new leather. Drink: Medium bodied, pure fruited, fresh and bursting with Nebbiolo flavour, light kitten’s tongue tannin, clean long finish. Drink 2015 - 2024+ ... Learn MoreBenevelli Langhe Nebbiolo 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The terroir The vineyard soil at La Raia is calcareous and clayish, it extends at approximately 400 metres above sea level with a south-east-west exposure. A crown of vineyards distributed around the cellar, with an average density of 4500 vines per hectare. ... Learn MoreLa Raia Gavi Docg 2018$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 item
- "Poderi e Cantine Oddero is a historical name among Barolo producers. Its foundations were laid at the end of the 18th century when our ancestors were already cultivating vineyards in La Morra. In 1878, our ancestor Giacomo Oddero (1851-1915) decided, in ... Learn MoreOddero Dolcetto D’Alba Doc 2019$34.99 Per item
- Intense, highlighted fruity aromas such as wild violet and blackberry pulp. In the mouth the wine offers a harmonious and complex taste balance, of fresh fruit with the right dose of tannins, in the long finish an almond note appears. ... Learn MorePietro Rinaldi Dolcetto 2018$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "Poderi e Cantine Oddero is a historical name among Barolo producers. Its foundations were laid at the end of the 18th century when our ancestors were already cultivating vineyards in La Morra. In 1878, our ancestor Giacomo Oddero (1851-1915) decided, in ... Learn MoreOddero Dolcetto D’Alba 2018$34.99 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
- 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
- This intensely perfumed, super fine Moscato is drawn from an amphitheatre of sandy, chalky slopes that circle Sandro Boido's winery. These steep, chalky vineyards--the kind that dominate the Santo Stefano Belbo commune--are prized for tempering Moscato's heady fruits with freshness, ... Learn MoreCa' D'Gal Moscato D'Asti Lumine 2018$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 2018$39.99 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 item
- 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 recipe dating back to the 19th century using 31 major aromas - 15 of which remain a closely guarded secret. This aromantic blend creates a unique and highly sophisticated vermouth sought after around the world. Delicious served chilled on its own ... Learn MoreContratto Vermouth Rosso Nv$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Dottore (Doctor) Matteo Ascheri is not only the 5th generation owner and winemaker of his family estate (established 1880), he also runs a 4 star resort and traditional 'Osteria' (restaurant) next to the winery in Bra. In addition to this, Matteo is ... Learn MoreAscheri Langhe Nebbiolo 2017$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Winery Note - Produced with grapes from the younger vines from which we obtain our Barbaresco, it has all the character and elegance of the great Nebbiolo with an intense and delicate aroma; dry, fresh and pleasant taste with the ... Learn MoreGiuseppe Cortese Langhe Nebbiolo 2016$45.00 Per item
- Grapes from vineyards in Agliano d’Asti, in the La Crena site with part of the oldest vineyards used for our Cru La Crena and other adjacent vineyards. 4.800 plants per hectare with a yield between 40 and 50 hl/ha. Cold pre-fermentation ... Learn MoreVietti Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne 2018$45.99 Per item
- Grapes from vineyards in Agliano d’Asti, in the La Crena site with part of the oldest vineyards used for our Cru La Crena and other adjacent vineyards. 4.800 plants per hectare with a yield between 40 and 50 hl/ha. Cold pre-fermentation ... Learn MoreVietti Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne 2017$45.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Made from Nebbiolo grapes only from Barolo designated vineyards, this wine is complex and elegant with excellent ageing potential. The nose offers up generous fruit along with menthol, spices and hard candy. Showing notable intensity while retaining an essentially mid-weight ... Learn MoreVietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2017$47.99 Per item
- Made from Nebbiolo grapes only from Barolo designated vineyards, this wine is complex and elegant with excellent ageing potential. The nose offers up generous fruit along with menthol, spices and hard candy. Showing notable intensity while retaining an essentially mid-weight ... Learn MoreVietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2016$47.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced from the acclaimed Nizza sub region of Asti. Matured in 50-hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months. Blended in the spring, bottled in the summer. Intense ruby-red colour with purple tinges, a bouquet of cherry, blackberry, small red fruits, pepper ... Learn MoreOddero Barbera D’Asti Superiore Nizza 2015$50.00 Per itemOut of stock