Pegasus Bay ‘Bel Canto’ Riesling 2020/23, Waipara Valley

Description

In the early 1970s, professor and neurologist Ivan Donaldson caught the wine bug when his girlfriend Christine gave him a book on the topic. It was the start of something great: together they’d go on to pioneer vineyards in Canterbury, now among New Zealand’s most celebrated regions. A family affair, Pegasus Bay is run by the couple and their four sons, the eldest of which, Mat, is the winemaker. Their sheltered, low-yielding vines are over 30 years old, producing flavourful grapes with plenty of natural acidity thanks to the cool nights. Riesling thrives under these conditions, and Bel Canto – named after Christine’s love of opera – is only made in exceptional years. You'll find it full bodied and richly textured, yet also fresh and lively. Discover aromatic notes of orange zest, quince, melon, beeswax and blossom, plus touches of flint and sweet spice. Its slightly off-dry character makes it a fantastic match for dishes that have a little chilli heat, like Thai green curry.

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