Let's Visit the Waitaki Valley

Uncork Your Mind

On the 23rd episode of Winephabet Street we visited the Waitaki Valley of New Zealand. Well virtually, with the help of Jim Jerram, owner of Ostler Wines and David Harlow of NZ Wine Navigator.

Winephabet Street is a monthly series where Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass and I work our way through the alphabet exploring wine and wine regions one letter at a time. The show is live on the third Monday at 8pm and is free, but you must register to attend. Put it on your calendar, pour yourself a glass of wine and hang out with us.

Where is the Waitaki Valley? The Waikati Valley is nestled between Central Otago and Canterbury. It is a fairly new wine region with the first vines planted in 2001. The region has cold winters and hot summers. The autumn months are long which allows the grapes to reach their ripening potential while holding onto the crisp acidity. The rocky limestone soil retains the heat and reflects the sunlight onto the grapes.

Jim provided us with two of his wines and WOW! I don’t drink enough of New Zealand wines!

Ostler Lakeside Wines 2016 Riesling Waitaki Valley North Otago - Beautiful! Nose of clean petro a little lime and earth. The palate brings a hint of stone fruit and apple, medium body, a hint of minerality and a bite of acidity.

Ostler Caroline’s 2016 Pinot Noir Waitaki Valley North Otago - This is an elegant Pinot Noir with lots going on. Strawberry jam and vanilla aromas lead to a clean nicely balanced palate with a hint of chalkiness. Flavors of black and red cherry, cranberry with a pop of acidity on the finish.

Grab a glass and listen to the webinar and learn about the Waitaki Valley region of New Zealand