Burn Cottage is best known for its Pinot Noir, but this Riesling Grüner Veltliner blend is one of Central Otago’s quiet success stories. The fruit is sourced from the Sauvage Vineyard in Bannockburn, which was planted in 2005. The site’s schist soils and cool climate allow both varieties to retain definition and drive while achieving full phenolic ripeness. Winemaking is a low-intervention process: the grapes are pressed and fermented with indigenous yeast in stainless steel and seasoned oak. The result is a layered, textural wine that balances Riesling’s precision with Grüner’s flesh and spice. Expect notes of citrus peel, white flowers, and stone fruit on the nose, with a palate that carries through those characters, complemented by mineral depth and a clean, dry finish. This is a wine that evolves well over several years and pairs equally well with food or as an aperitif. A small-production release that quietly broadens the picture of what Central Otago can do beyond Pinot Noir.

Forbes & Forbes Single Vineyard Riesling captures classic Eden Valley character from a high-altitude site around Springton, on ancient, rocky soils that give both intensity and line. Vines are hand picked at genuine flavour ripeness rather than searing austerity, then whole-bunch pressed and cool fermented in stainless steel to preserve citrus, florals and mineral detail. The result is a Riesling that typically shows lime, lemon and green apple over crushed stone, with some vintages layering in subtle tropical notes and, with age, toast and marmalade complexity, all carried on a long, balanced palate of lively acidity and gentle texture. Critics describe Forbes & Forbes as a “secret worth discovering” for approachable, great-value Eden Valley Riesling, and museum releases demonstrate just how well this single-vineyard style can develop in bottle over a decade or more.

Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett is a fine example of Mosel’s renowned Rieslings. The Graacher Himmelreich vineyard, known for its cooler microclimate and slate-rich soils, produces grapes that combine ripeness with lively acidity. This terroir gives the wine a distinctive character, which the Prüm family expertly captures through traditional winemaking methods. In the glass, the wine opens with fresh aromas of green apple, citrus, and a touch of flint. On the palate, expect vibrant flavours of lime, peach, and a subtle minerality, all balanced by a delicate sweetness. The finish is crisp and clean, underscoring the wine’s finesse and purity. This Riesling Kabinett is not only a testament to the quality of the Graacher Himmelreich vineyard but also a reflection of the Prüm family’s dedication to producing wines of elegance and precision. Ideal for pairing with seafood or enjoying on its own.