Main Divide Riesling 2008

NOTES

Main Divide is the local name for the mighty range of Southern Alps which form the backbone of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island of New Zealand). Our aim is to produce wines which reflect the unspoilt freshness, purity, vigour and cool climate of the south, while retaining in each its individual regional and varietal character.

A handful of selected South Island vineyards have been chosen because of their unique situations or terroir and the quality of their grapes. Our intention is to work with the growers of these vineyards throughout the season to obtain quality fruit, all of which is then hand-crafted into wine by the Donaldson Family at their Waipara winery.

Main Divide's philosophy is based on individuality and harmony. We wish to produce distinctive, vibrant wines with lively fruit flavours, which at the same time are integrated and harmonious.

TASTING NOTES

A portion of nobly botrytic fruit has produced a distinctive style of wine and one that is different from the 2007 Main Divide Riesling.  It has a core of citrus fruit characters, particularly lemons and limes, but there is also an undercurrent of white fleshed peaches and nectarines.  The botrytis has added hints of honeysuckle and also given the wine extra concentration and richness.  A seam of natural acidity and minerality flows through the wine and gives it an off-dry finish length and zest.