Central Otago
The Growing Region
In the mid- 1800’s, Central Otago was gold-digging country. These days, it yields a different kind of gold: medals. This stunningly beautiful region of contrasts produces equally stunning wines: pinot noirs and white wines renowned for their intensity, purity and complexity.
Climate
The wines here are hard-won given our inhospitable climate. Situated at a cool 46o South, Central Otago’s high altitudes, cool climate, infertile soils and brief but warm summers grow wines of great purity and intensity. Our summers are short and intensely warm, and our winters are often sub-zero, snowy and frosty. With temperatures ranging from -3o in winter to 24o in summer, Central Otago can be a pretty fairly brutal place to grow vines. Yet from this unlikely region, exceptional vines grow.
Location
Situated at 46o South, Central Otago is the world’s southernmost grape-growing region. The distinctive mountainous terrain means each vineyard has a unique climate, aspect and altitude, resulting in wines that are equally distinctive. Wine growing locations in the region include Gibbston, Bannockburn, Alexandra, Bendigo and Cromwell. This area is equally famed for its stunning views and tourist attractions. With Queenstown, Alexandra and Wanaka as must-sees for any overseas visitors, Central Otago may be of the few places in the world you can bungy jump, fly-fish, ski, and dine at a vineyard, all in the same day.
Grape Varietals
Pinot noir is Central Otago’s most acclaimed and sought after varietal, with a reputation that continues to grow as this ‘new world’ wine region matures. Most Central Otago pinots are fragrant, lush and fruity, underpinned by a silky texture, taut structure and deep intensity. The unique climate also gives up stunning aromatics (from austerely dry to decadently sweet), complex and elegant chardonnay (tightly structured and fine-bodied), not to mention crisp, minerally and flinty sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer and pinot gris among others.