Methode Traditionnelle

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic

Dessert Wine

Rose

Red Wine

Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Riesling 2009

For this week’s wine review I have chosen Saint Clair’s 2009 Marlborough Riesling. It is one of the new releases in Saint Clair’s core brand range and is a reflection of Saint Clair’s marketing philosophy of providing excellent quality wines at every price point.

Grapes from several vineyards in Marlborough were chosen to make this wine, with the majority coming from sites in the Dog Point area. A small amount of fruit from the Awatere valley has also added to the flavour and complexity.

The grapes were picked at night during the peak of flavour development and each batch was cool tank fermented separately using yeast strains specifically selected to retain freshness and intensity of flavour. After the ferment, each batch was assessed for quality with only premium batches destines to become part of the Premium Riesling. Once batches were selected and blended, the wine was balanced, stabilised and prepared for bottling.

I found this pale straw coloured wine to exude ripe citrus aromas, specifically of mandarin, lime and possibly grapefruit with subtle blossom notes. On the palate, I found the 2009 Saint Clair Marlborough Riesling to have those distinct Riesling flavours of lime and grapefruit with underlying mineral notes. It has balanced acidity and a long, lingering, pleasing finish It is a wine that is drinking well now.

Those of you who are observant will notice that last week I recommended Thai food with my choice of wine. This week is another example of a good wine to enjoy with a good Thai curry. I prefer it with pork or chicken Panang Curry or Thai Green Curry with pork. Alternatively if spicy food is not your thing, you can equally enjoy this wine with roast pork (don’t forget the apple sauce and crackling!).

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (17/5/2010)

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