If you’re a big Pinot Noir fan, then you’re probably familiar with the name Felton Road. They’re arguably the most famous Pinot Noir producer in New Zealand, and one of the most famous in all the New World. Since the 1990’s they’ve been putting Central Otago on the international map not only for top quality Pinot Noir, but also as an early adopter in the biodynamic movement. Their ‘Block 3’ and ‘Block 5’ Pinot Noirs are some of the most sought after and allocated wines in the southern hemisphere, but what you don’t hear about as often is their Riesling…New Zealand Riesling?

Most people’s immediate association with New Zealand is Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, and maybe Pinot Noir from Central Otago after that. But some people (mostly those who have visited) know that New Zealand also makes some absolutely epic Riesling, but in such small quantities that it rarely is exported. It is only 1% of the country’s total production, and less than .05% of their exports…because it’s so damn good, they just drink it themselves.

When I first visited New Zealand in 2008, I felt like I was on a Pinot Noir pilgrimage going to Felton Road for a tasting. It was a near spiritual awakening to biodyanmics, natural symbiosis in viticulture, and really really good Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But what hit me even harder, as it was entirely unexpected, was how outstanding the Rieslings were. I didn’t even know they made Riesling before that visit. And for years after I returned I would often talk about the Rieslings as the unexpected highlight from that trip. Now here we are 13 years later and we have our first shipment of Felton Road Riesling, and we got 2 of them!

FELTON ROAD, ‘DRY’ RIESLING, 2020 CENTRAL OTAGO
$59 /bottle at Byward Wine Market, or $52.99 x6 from Lifford Wines

The name says it all. This is dryyy. Firm, crisp acidity with white flowers, heavy minerality, cucumbers, and citrus peel. Super refreshing on its own, or great with anything creamy or fatty that needs cutting into. And of course, oysters would be a dream with this. Fresh and delicious now, but built in a way that could easily continue developing into the 2030’s. Click here for their detailed tech sheet.

FELTON ROAD, ‘BANNOCKBURN’ RIESLING, 2020 CENTRAL OTAGO
$59 /bottle at Byward Wine Market, or $52.99 x6 from Lifford Wines

Bannockburn is the small town they’re outside of in Central Otago. It was a big gold mining town in the 1800’s and has a very mineral rich soil that lends itself so nicely to Riesling (as well as the Pinot Noirs they’re so famous for). As compared to the ‘Dry’ Riesling, this one is defnitely more “Off Dry”, but not significantly so. They would still qualify as a slightly sweeter Kabinett, or a Spätlase at most. But the texture and balance with this Riesling is insane. Just all around such a pleasure to drink. One of those ear-to-ear smile wines that are excellent on their own and even better with food. This one is maybe a little less for oysters and more for anything with a little spice: Tacos, Pad Thai, anything Curried. You get the idea. Click here for their detailed tech sheet.

We were only allocated about 10 cases of each wine, so supplies are extremely limited. If you’re interested let me know ASAP and we can get a case shipped out to you this week. Or if you’d just like to try out a bottle or two, we have them in stock at the Byward Wine Market as well!

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The Byward Wine Market is fully open for in person shopping, as well as online orders offering curbside pickup or local delivery within Ottawa. And just a reminder that the order deadline for Friday case deliveries is Wednesday before 9:00am. Reach out if you have any questions, and check out the archive of past FEATURES if you’re interested in other recommendations. Lastly, please feel free to forward this to anyone in Ontario who may be interested in home wine delivery and follow us on Instagram at @bywardwinemarket!