Winemaker Kel Dixon describes the vintage as the type of cool climate growing season in which Riesling thrives.

"The cool, and at times rainy, spring, followed by a perfect Indian summer meant we had smaller than usual bunches of grapes able to be left on the vines to ripen slowly and develop intense flavours prior to harvest," he says.

"The long ripening period combined with a cool fermentation with several different yeasts has delivered a balanced and complex wine."

Wild South is named to reflect the raw beauty of Marlborough and the wines are sourced from some of the region's premium vineyards in the Wairau and Awatere valleys.

Dixon says while the off dry Wild South Riesling 2012 is very drinkable already, its trademark cool climate acidity will see it age gracefully until around 2017.

Tasting Note: Lime zest, sherbet and toffee apples combine with a vein of apricot and melon. The palate shows excellent richness and texture. A lively acidic finish enhances the minerality and gives the wine great length.

Food match: BBQ grilled shrimp with a pineapple and coriander salsa.

Recommended retail price: $19.99

Wild South Marlborough Riesling 2012 is available in supermarkets and wine retailers around New Zealand.

For further information visit www.wildsouth.co.nz.

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