Giesen Gemstone Riesling 2018 (Marlborough)

I think we can all agree that the Giesen brothers firstly know great riesling, but also know how to produce great riesling at a great price point, and that can only be good news for the category as a whole. Sourced from a single vineyard in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, this fruit was picked ten days earlier than expected due to hot ripening conditions during January 2018 – the hottest January on record to that date. Deft vine management ensured a stress-free ripening and the grapes were picked in the cool of the morning to preserve freshness and pressed immediately upon arrival at the winery – under the watchful eye of winemaker Nikolai St George – to retain purity of flavour. An interesting thing about this wine is that a portion of it is fermented in large granite tanks. This is an ancient winemaking technique, and what makes the use of granite special is that, like oak, it micro-oxygenates but also makes the wine ‘sweat’. This sweating causes slight evaporation which adds flavour concentration while retaining the clean, bright characteristics in the wine. At 39g of residual sugar, Gemstone flies the flag for approachable medium sweetness riesling boasting an inviting golden hue in the glass. Bright and fresh on the nose with both spicy and floral characters that follow through to a palate laden with citrus rind, clementine and vanilla spice. A touch of well-defined botrytis is present, balanced against incredible acid and great texture culminating in a long yet balanced finish. Very smart.

• Riesling - White wine
• Marlborough - New Zealand
• NZ $20
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• Cellar: 7 year(s)
top 10
• View the full Riesling 2021 tasting results