Ben says
★★ Great Wine “The winemaker stopped fermentation on this Riesling and left a dollop of residual sugar in here at around 18g/litre. Really that was a masterstroke. It brings to the nose aromas more akin to peach blossom and apricot, rather than the typical orchard and citrus mix. Yet on the palate the light sweetness is offset by a super zingy and floral melody of juicy fruits. There’s a hint of cured apple as it rounds out into a bittersweet but refreshing finish. Worth seeking out!“
KEY POINTS
Varietal Riesling with 11.0% abv. Harvested from the single vineyard Walsh block in the Woodbourne area of Marlborough’s central Wairau region. Cool fermentation in stainless steel tank. Fermentation is arrested to create a lower alcohol, off-dry style.
Grown in: Wairau, Marlborought, NEW ZEALAND.
Food Pairing
When you have a plush, off-dry but zingy Riesling like this it can match very well with coconut-based curries or lightly spiced soups. It is also a really good choice with earthy dishes, such as those that use puy lentils, where it can lift out sweetness from the earthy notes in the food.
Disclosure & Price
Tasted at the Hallgarten portfolio tasting. Find in the UK for circa £12.95 at Aitken Wines.
Reviewed and tasted: 20/02/2024
About the Producer
Lake Chalice was established in 1989 in Marlborough. Its three vineyard sites are based in the valleys of upper Awatere and Wairau, where the native New Zealand falcon is said to fly; its image is adorned on all of Lake Chalice’s labels. The wines are made by winemaker Chloe Gabrielsen, who takes a single vineyard approach to the wines. The winery is certified ‘Sustainable Winegrower of New Zealand’.
