I’m delighted to introduce myself as Verve’s newest columnist and Head of Fine Wines & Whiskies at Webb’s, New Zealand’s Premier Auction House.
Join me each month as we explore exceptional wines and discover hidden gems and bid on your next cellar centrepiece at Webb’s. This month, let’s discuss the elegant bottles coming out of Otago.
While Queenstown dazzles in winter, I’m especially captivated by the wines born of Otago’s unique summer climate and varied terroirs. Each month at Webb’s, our auctions feature beautifully aged bottlings from Otago, including Valli, Felton Road, Amisfield, and Prophet’s Rock, often available at prices equal to or below current releases.
Valli exemplifies Otago’s sub-regional diversity. Winemakers Jen Parr and Grant Taylor craft stunning pinot noirs from vineyards in Bendigo, Bannockburn, Gibbston, and Waitaki, picked in succession as they ripen.
Bendigo, home to Prophet’s Rock, yields big, cherry-cola-scented pinots and aromatic whites.
A little farther south, Bannockburn’s Felton Road estate produces their Burgundian-style Block 3 Pinot Noir, marked by elegant structure and restraint – albeit with a Kiwi accent! Gibbston Valley, where Otago’s first vines took root, is known for more complex, age-worthy wines from the likes of Amisfield, Chard Farm and is also where Valli’s winery is found.
Finally, Waitaki’s limestone soils lend racy acidity to Valli’s Riesling, a favourite pairing with Aotearoa’s Asian-fusion cuisine.
Cheers! | Santé! | Sláinte! | Egészségére! | 饮胜! | 干杯!
MARCUS ATKINSON, DipWSET
Head of Fine Wines & Whiskies, Webb’s +64 27 929 5601
marcus@webbs.co.nz
