Central Otago Makes World’s Best Single Vineyard White Wine

11 October 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Central Otago Makes World’s Best Single Vineyard White Wine

Two Sisters 2007 Riesling has been judged the world’s best single vineyard white wine (of any variety) in the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), the world’s premier wine event based in London.

The award is the first time a New Zealand riesling has won The London International Wine Fair Trophy for Single Vineyard White, acknowledged ahead of top European wines in an IWSC field that attracts entries from every winemaking region in the world. Two Sisters vineyard, planted in 1999, sits steeply above Central Otago’s Lowburn Valley and was certified organic in 2010. Owned by Adam and Kristin Peren, and named after their two daughters, the family operation also grows Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

The Perens previously established Peregrine, which combines fruit from various sub--regions in Central Otago – and their 2009 Pinot Noir was judged best pinot noir in this same event. “Congratulations to our former partners at Peregrine.” “To see Central Otago named home to both the world’s best single vineyard Riesling and the best Pinot Noir, from operations we have been closely involved with, is very rewarding.

“Thanks to everyone at Two Sisters, especially former winemaker Belinda Gould. This award is a delightful recognition of something special. We have a fantastic team – there is lots of work, lots of love and lots of fun,” say the Perens.

The single vineyard wine is grown on a north facing site which has “too much sun, not enough water, porous schist gravels for soil, and is rabbit heaven,” says Adam Peren. The vines work hard and that is reflected in the balance and complexity of the wine. There are close family ties to the area – “Kristin’s father Grattan O’Sullivan was always able to bag a few rabbits on his way past as a young man. We need him back.”

The 2011 IWSC judges said “Intense, evolved, of almost sculptural definition this is classic, perfect Riesling at its peak. Flinty minerality mingles with ripe red apples and apricot fruit, suffused with typical petrol nuances and lime zest. The entry is sweet, turning to dry in mid palate with a honeyed quality. Big, firm, complex, opulent flavours, yet taut steely texture and marvellous depth.

Fabulous now, but will develop further.” Two Sisters 2007 Riesling Hand harvested end April 2007 Brix 22 Yeasts wild Residual sugar 15.8% Alcohol 13% Bottled August 2007 Closure screwcap Two Sisters Riesling is stocked nationwide by Glengarry and at www.twosistersvineyard.co.nz

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