
Central Otago, Tasmania
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.
Apart from being the most southerly wine region in Australia, Tasmania has among the coolest growing subregions with the potential to make distinctly different wines than in the rest of the country.
Most well known for cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (thus sparkling too), Sauvignon Blanc smaller plantings of Riesling, Cabernet and Pinot Gris (more commonly Pinot labelled Pinot Grigio)
Historically, Tasmania can lay claim to being the founder of both the Victorian and South Australian wine industries as William Henty sailed from Launceston to Portland (in Victoria) in 1834 and planted grape cuttings there. Though not conclusively proven, it's believed that John Hack planted vines in South Australia in 1837, closely followed in 1838 by John Reynell.
Warmer vintages (possibly attributable to global warming) has had positive effects on region's industry, allowing grapes in recent vintages to achieve full phenolic ripeness, making for vibrant wines that have been widely accepted as world class.
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.
Apart from being the most southerly wine region in Australia, Tasmania has among the coolest growing subregions with the potential to make distinctly different wines than in the rest of the country.
Most well known for cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (thus sparkling too), Sauvignon Blanc smaller plantings of Riesling, Cabernet and Pinot Gris (more commonly Pinot labelled Pinot Grigio)
Historically, Tasmania can lay claim to being the founder of both the Victorian and South Australian wine industries as William Henty sailed from Launceston to Portland (in Victoria) in 1834 and planted grape cuttings there. Though not conclusively proven, it's believed that John Hack planted vines in South Australia in 1837, closely followed in 1838 by John Reynell.
Warmer vintages (possibly attributable to global warming) has had positive effects on region's industry, allowing grapes in recent vintages to achieve full phenolic ripeness, making for vibrant wines that have been widely accepted as world class.
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- Brimming with aromas of raspberry and red mulberry, with hints of dark cherry, complex spice and smoky undertones. Washes over the palate with bright red cherries, raspberry and subtle, juicy tannin. 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir. Drink now to 2021. ... Learn MoreJosef Chromy 'Pepik' Pinot Noir 2019$19.99 Per item
- Brimming with aromas of raspberry and red mulberry, with hints of dark cherry, complex spice and smoky undertones. Washes over the palate with bright red cherries, raspberry and subtle, juicy tannin. 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir. Drink now to 2021. ... Learn MoreJosef Chromy 'Pepik' Pinot Noir 2017$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
- These slowly-ripened grapes develop pure fruit flavours, fresh natural acidity and are perfect for making seriously good wines. ... Learn MoreFrogmore Creek Riesling 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 2019$24.99 Per item
- These slowly-ripened grapes develop pure fruit flavours, fresh natural acidity and are perfect for making seriously good wines. ... Learn MoreFrogmore Creek Riesling 2017$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
- These slowly-ripened grapes develop pure fruit flavours, fresh natural acidity and are perfect for making seriously good wines. Very floral aromas dominated by honeysuckle. The Palate has good balanced sugar, acid with fresh lime flavours. FGR is a wine acronym ... Learn MoreFrogmore Creek 'Fgr' Riesling 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
- This Tasmanian delight is a tropical cocktail of flavours. An oaky style, it has sweet aromas of melon, pineapple and lifted herbs followed by candied lemon flavours. It’s well balanced, nutty and light with fantastic acidity and length. Try ... Learn MoreFrogmore Creek Fumé Blanc 2017$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
- “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
- Hughes & Hughes is a joint venture between Jonny and Matt Hughes, two Tasmanian born wine-heads. Matt works the grapes, Jonny makes the wines, taking what he learnt from seven years as assistant winemaker at Moorilla and re-imagining it for his ... Learn MoreHughes & Hughes Riesling 2020$29.99 Per item
- Fresh and creamy, this delicious Tasmanian Chardonnay has tasty floral and lightly toasted nut aromas all balanced by subtle oak and minerality. It’s lush and creamy with nectarine, peach and citrus flavours and zippy acidity. Cellar it for 2+ years ... Learn MoreFrogmore Creek Chardonnay 2018$29.99 Per item
- Spiced lemon, sweet blood orange and preserved peach flavours meld seamlessly with classic Riesling talc and subtle Botrytis characters and natural cool climate acidity to create a wine of complexity, structure and length. ... Learn MoreJosef Chromy Botrytis Riesling 2017 (375Ml)$29.99 Per item
- Mania allows Jim Chatto to broaden his Tasmanian winemaking outside the Huon Valley, leveraging friendships built over the years to source parcels of fruit from small growers across the state. The Mania Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as a slightly more ... Learn MoreMania Tamar Valley Pinot Noir 2019$29.99 Per item
- Mania allows Jim Chatto to broaden his Tasmanian winemaking outside the Huon Valley, leveraging friendships built over the years to source parcels of fruit from small growers across the state. The Mania Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are a slightly more ... Learn MoreMania Tamar Valley Pinot Noir 2018$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 100% estate-grown, single-vineyard, certified biodynamic Riesling from soils that are predominantly silty grey gravelly loam over sandstone with some clay loam patches. The fruit is hand picked, then fruit is sorted by hand on a vibrating table. Tasmania’s ultra cool ... Learn MoreStefano Lubiana Riesling 2019$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
- 100% estate-grown, single-vineyard, certified biodynamic Riesling from soils that are predominantly silty grey gravelly loam over sandstone with some clay loam patches. The fruit is hand picked, then fruit is sorted by hand on a vibrating table. Tasmania’s ultra cool ... Learn MoreStefano Lubiana Riesling 2018$32.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Immediate lift of charred spices, black plum and Dutch liquorice, with hints of black olive, cranberries, blueberries and cassis adding complexity. A sense of lightness and freshness to the array of characters that give an elegance to the style and ... Learn MoreDalrymple Tasmanian Pinot Noir 2018$33.70 Per item
- Vintage circumstances in 2019 presented the crew behind The Other Wine Co. the unmissable opportunity to produce a Pinot Noir, made from declassified fruit off the excellent Tolpuddle Vineyard. Vinified at Shaw + Smith, with all the usual care and attention to ... Learn MoreThe Other Wine Co. Tasmania Pinot Noir 2019$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Whole bunches of hand-picked fruit are gently pressed to ensure delicate flavours. Crisp Granny Smith apple with strawberry notes on the nose. A young, vibrant Sparkling Rose with lifted fresh field berries carry onto a clean textural palate with length ... Learn MoreJosef Chromy Sparkling Rose Nv$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Whether it's the granite soils or the sort of first-vintage phenomenon we've often seen before in Tasmanian pinots, this is distinctly different to the bigger, riper East Coast style. Tight and textured with sour cherry plum and savoury peppery notes ... Learn MorePriory Ridge Tasmanian Pinot Noir 2015$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
- Fruit sourced from Derwent valley 65% and 35% Huon Valley. The geology is a mix of two terroirs, grey gravelly loams over clay and red loam over gravel. The Vineyard management is Biodynamic in conversion. Wine notes: On the nose the wine ... Learn MoreStefano Lubiana 'Primavera' Pinot Noir 2019$35.99 Per item
- 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
- The previous vintage was awarded WINNER, BEST PINOT NOIR at the 2019 Sydney Royal Wine Show, one of the most prestigious award shows in the country. Intense lifted nose of red cherries and wild forest fruit with hints of toasted oak ... Learn MoreJosef Chromy Pinot Noir 2018$36.99 Per item
- WINNER, BEST PINOT NOIR at the 2019 Sydney Royal Wine Show, one of the most prestigious award shows in the country. Intense lifted nose of red cherries and wild forest fruit with hints of toasted oak and spice. Lifted bright, sweet ... Learn MoreJosef Chromy Pinot Noir 2017$36.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- Produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes sourced from high density vineyard blocks of significant vine age up to 40 years. ... Learn MorePipers Brook Tasmanian Vintage Brut 2016$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
- 65% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir. Méthode traditionnelle, with a minimum of two years on lees and one year on cork pre-release. Fruit-pure, intense, rich, creamy and complex. A wine with great length but not too bold and dry. "I’d drink ... Learn MoreStefano Lubiana Reserve Sparkling Brut Nv$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
- Floral and herbal is the first impression in the glass before an alluring perfume of aromatic red berry fruit and mineral undertones develops. There is a generous palate of fine tannins, and the pure red fruit and savory notes are ... Learn MoreChard Farm 'Mata Au' Pinot Noir 2018$54.99 Per itemOut of stock