Regions
CENTRAL OTAGO
Pushing every limit...
Central Otago is New Zealand’s, and the world’s, most southerly wine region; here most vineyards are planted at higher altitudes than anywhere else in the country. The region also enjoys a semi-continental, semi-arid climate that is quite different from all other winegrowing regions in the country. It is a region of climatic extremes, recording both the highest and lowest temperatures recorded nationally, and has some of the highest light intensity in the country. The winegrowing soils are free draining loess or schist gravels, often with schist bedrock, and seams of calcium deposits at depth.
This dramatic environment produces wines with incredible aromatics and purity of fruit with beautiful natural acidity. Vines have made appearances in Central Otago since the late 19th century, however it took some brave pioneers in the late 70’s and early 80’s to forge a path forward. Since then the region has become synonymous with fine Pinot Noir, exciting lovers throughout the world. As one would expect in this cool climate, the Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay are distinctive pure expressions of this spectacular region.
GDD: 995
Mean January Temperature ºC : 17.7
CENTRAL OTAGO WINERIES IN THE COMPLEXITY PROGRAMME
+ Amisfield
+ Felton Road
+ Mt Difficulty
+ Quartz Reef
