Country: New Zealand  Region: Central Otago  Vintage: 2015 Category: White Wine  Color: White  Varietal: Riesling/ Gruner Veltliner Producer: Burn Cottage "Burn Cottage refers to the name of a road that the 24 hectare property sits on in Central Otago. The estate was once a sheep paddock until it was purchased by Marquis Sauvage in 2002. Marquis brought on board Ted Lemon of Littorai as their winemaker and together they started planting Pinot Noir in 2003. Six years later, they released their first wine in 2009. To find suitable plots to plant on, they dug 60 soil pits and have subsequently selected ten Pinot Noir clones to plant on five different rootstocks tailored to the different soil profiles. Burn Cottage has the unique distinction of being the first and only Central Otago estate that has been biodynamic since day one, Ted Lemon's one stipulation for his involvement. The winemaking at Burn Cottage also reflects biodynamic principles with low intervention. There is no addition of yeasts or bacteria for fermentations, with minimal sulphur use and no filtration before bottling. New to Burn Cottage is Moonlight Race Pinot Noir named after a water pathway or 'race' that passes through the property.The Pinot Noir for Moonlight Race comes from both Burn Cottage's biodynamic vineyards and two other vineyards that they work closely with. It is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months before release and is meant for earlier drinking. Burn Cottage Pinot Noir, on the other hand, comes all from estate fruit and will develop beautifully with age. Both of the Pinot Noirs contain a skilful use of whole-bunch fermentation giving them a lifted fragrance that makes them so seductive. We are truly delighted to add these stunning Pinot Noirs to our list." Product Features: Practicing Biodynamic;Practicing Organic; Vegan;Vegetarian Winemaker: Ted Lemon Vineyards The Waitaki Valley in North Otago is renowned for its limestone rich soils which give great minerality and focus to the wines. The vineyard faces northeast and is 100m above the valley floor. The maritime climate makes the North Otago region different to the more highly planted, semi-continental Central Otago region and the unique limestone rich soils result in wines with distinctive minerality. It was a warmer and disease free vintage in Waitaki, resulting in exceptional wines. Vintage Information 2016 brought a welcome increase of volume produced after the small 2015 vintage. A notably dry vintage, which yielded small, flavour-packed berries. The pristine Riesling grapes were hand harvested in early May at optimal ripeness. Vinification The grapes were whole bunch pressed and fermented at cool temperatures to retain the fresh aromatics. The fermentation was stopped at the perfect balance of residual sugar and acidity resulting in an off-dry wine with a long dry finish. Tasting Notes A delightful nose of freshly squeezed limes, white flowers and subtle flint. The palate offers a delicious citrus zest, ripe lime and manuka honey. It is well balanced with distinctive, crisp acidity and a long, mineral finish.