Waiata Riesling 2025

Off-dry Riesling from the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. Sold by the six-pack.

Tasting note

Pale straw green. Enticing floral notes of lime, lemon and mandarin showcase classic Riesling characteristics. Off-dry in style, with notes of lemon curd and white blossom and a lovely long acidity.

Winemaking

The Riesling was picked once the flavours came right, crushed and gently pressed, then settled in tank for 48 hours. The juice was fermented with an aromatic yeast and chilled as fermentation finished to keep a little residual sweetness. The wine stayed on its lees for a further month to build texture and richness before being racked and held in tank until bottling.

Vintage conditions

2025 was a favourable vintage for North Canterbury. Bud burst and flowering came early and sunshine was above average right through to Christmas, pointing to a very early harvest. From January temperatures cooled, with long spells of cloud cover and some rain bringing the season back into balance. Despite heavy rain in March, harvest ran from mid-March to around 20 April, and the warm start and cooler summer let the fruit ripen fully with optimum flavour.

The detail

Region: 100% Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
Grape variety: 100% Riesling
Winemaker: Alastair Maling MW
Maturation: 100% stainless steel fermentation
Alcohol: 11.5%
Acidity (TA): 6.5 g/L
pH: 2.9
When to enjoy: Drinking well now and will continue to develop for a further five years from vintage

What the critics said

93 points, 5 stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Pristine and finely expressed, the bouquet shows crisp apple, lime peel, and white flower nuances, followed by a delicately textured palate that's juicy and focused. The wine is delightfully balanced with subtle sweetness and bright acidity, offering fabulous drinking."