Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2024

Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2024

• Region: North Canterbury
• Sub-Region: Waipara Valley
• Varieties: Riesling

Vineyard A reserve wine made only in exceptional years, and the driest Riesling in the Pegasus Bay range, with about 6 to 7 g/L of residual sugar. Estate-grown in Waipara, from vines over 30 years old, where warm days and some of the valley’s coolest nights draw out ripening. Selected golden bunches with some botrytis were picked at around 25.5 Brix. The free-run juice was fermented slowly to dryness, with natural fermentation in large oak barrels and a little natural spritz.

Wine Light gold with a lime hue. Aromas of pineapple, quince and oyster shell lead to citrus blossom, honeysuckle, ginger, honey and spice. Erin Larkin also notes dried herbs, crushed limestone and smoke. It is dry, textured and complex, with an expansive, persistent finish.

Food Pairings

• Asparagus
• Delicate white fish
• Mildly spiced dishes

Accolades (2024)

• 95/100 points — Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
• 95/100 points — Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review (ranked #4 of 62 2024 NZ Rieslings)