Last year, I discovered some beauties from lesser-known regions like Nelson, whose vibrant, mineral Heaphy Sauvignon Blanc (€20, wineonline.ie) is typical of this region, which offers an elegant alternative to Marlborough’s pungent Sauvignon Blanc.
Nelson sits at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, overlooking Tasman Bay, with a maritime influence and mix of gravelly clay (Moutere Hills) and alluvial soils (Waimea Plains). Producers like Neudorf and Siefried also craft wonderful Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and aromatic grapes like today’s star Riesling.
Any of these Riesling recommendations would make a fine match for spiced dishes and flavours of sunnier climes – and each can be sampled at February’s tasting.
Wines of the weekThe blowout treat
Heaphy Moutere Old Vine Riesling 2023
Heaphy Moutere Old Vine Riesling 2023, Nelson, New Zealand, 13.5pc, €29.99
This is serious Riesling with great complexity and great ageing potential. Super pure and clean, dry and driven yet textured and layered with hints of buttered brioche, candied ginger and delicate fragrant floral notes. From New Zealand’s oldest Riesling vineyard, planted 50 years ago, it is fermented with wild yeasts, and then part-aged in terracotta amphora and a fraction in old oak casks. This region also produces some serious Chardonnay, such as Heaphy Moutere Nelson Chardonnay (€25, wineonline.ie) or Neudorf ‘Tiritiri’ Nelson Chardonnay (€27.50, jnwine.com). wineonline.ie
The curry-night bargain
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Riesling 2024
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Riesling 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand, 11.5pc, €13.50-€15
An off-dry, aromatic match for fragrant curries, with lemon leaf and mandarin given spice and depth from ginger and lanolin notes. Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, independents
The Clare Valley charmer
Pikes Hills & Valleys Riesling 2023
Pikes Hills & Valleys Riesling 2023, Clare Valley, Australia, 10.5pc, €18.95
Perfect for easing off Dry January, this low-alcohol charmer balances off-dry sweetness with crisp acidity, vibrant orchard fruit and lime leaf perfume. Grape & Bean (Laois), Jus de Vine, Sweeney’s D3 (both Dublin), JN Wine (Crossgar); jnwine.com
Dining and Cooking