Giesen Estate Riesling 2014

The Giesen brothers made the leap from Germany to New Zealand in 1981 despite, as they say, ‘the naysayers’. Since then they have put down some serious roots (as have their vines, ho ho ho) and we’re positive that any naysayers are now saying yea, as this familial trio has established itself as one of Hobbit Land’s finest.

This off-dry Riesling is chock-a-block with vibrant aromas of lemon grass, lime, ginger, honeysuckle and a touch of lavender. The palate is luscious and succulent with great intensity and purity of flavour balanced by a lovely, focused acidity.

Giesen wines was founded by three brothers,¬ Theo, Alex and Marcel Giesen who made the bold leap from Germany to New Zealand in 1981 to make world class wines. Over the last 30 years they have laid deep roots in the region, developing their own vineyards and simply making wines that people want to drink. 'We set out to create wines which people enjoy drinking and our diverse and outstanding vineyard sites, leading viticultural practices and consistent winemaking have allowed us to deliver a remarkably refreshing, unfailingly consistent, eminently drinkable wine,' they say.

The 2013 Giesen Riesling is sourced from 18 vineyards with approximately 63% from Waipara and 37% from Marlborough. They let the fruit hang on the vine long enough to accumulate sugar while maintaining natural acid and minerality. The fruit was gently pressed then cold settled over 36 hours. The clear juice was then fermented with a selection of aromatic and complex yeasts over at least three weeks. They stopped the fermentation when they felt the balance of sugar, acid and alcohol was spot on as well as retaining the purity of aroma and flavour.

The style is medium sweet, with approximately 44 g/l residual sugar, while natural acidity ensures the palate finishes clean and focused. After blending, the wine required no fining to prepare it for filtration and bottling in July 2013.

The 2013 Riesling displays vibrant aromas of lemon grass, lime, ginger, honeysuckle and a touch of lavender. The palate is luscious and succulent with great intensity and purity of flavour balanced by lovely focused acidity.