Brilliant biodynamicists from New Zealand

A Friday tasting, a mixed-case offer and a winemaker interview; what more could you want?

Among the many estates we are proud to have in our portfolio at Uncorked  is one of New Zealand's most sought-after: Felton Road. Based in Central Otago on the South Island, Felton Road has been farmed organically and biodynamically since 2000 when English Pinor Noir addict Nigel Greening took over. The vineyards lie on warm, north-facing slopes and enjoy Central Otago's continental climate (rather than maritime, as elsewhere in New Zealand) which may bring the risk of frost, but also the benefits of low rainfall and longer hours of sunshine.

Everything about the winemaking shows how much Nigel cares about quality and authenticity, beginning with the labour-intensive biodynamic cultivation. Only wild yeasts are used, the winery is gravity-fed, and there is no fining or filtration. All this long-term effort has paid off and led to Felton Road's worldwide reputation.

So what wines do they make at Felton Road? The Chardonnay is balanced, elegant, and no new oak. There are two Rieslings; one dry, while the Bannockburn Riesling is spatlese-style, off dry. Of the Pinots, the Bannockburn is spice and fruit-driven, the Calvert is both perfumed and mineral, and the Cornish Point is richer and more chocolately. See for yourselves through our mixed case offer and our Friday tasting, and click here for an interview with Nigel Greening. /NT