Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2023

Category:
 
White Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Pegasus Bay
Label Name:
 
Bel Canto Dry Riesling
Vintage:
 
2023
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.9%
Grape(s):
 
Riesling
Acidity:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
2
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
7-10°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 94/100; Erin Larkin (Robert Parker/Wine Advocate) 95/100; Candice Chow 18. 5+/20; Michael Cooper 5 stars; multiple 94/96 range reviews (Pegasus Bay press notes)

Tasting Note
Bright gold; aromas of pineapple, mango, orange blossom, quince, kumquat and wet river gravel. Rich, textured palate with lively acidity, ripe phenolics, a slight spritz and a long, moreish finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast pork, grilled scallops, roasted chicken, rich fish dishes (seabass), aged goat cheese. Asian: Thai green curry, Vietnamese sweet-sour pork ribs, Szechuan-spiced dishes, tempura, sushi (fatty fish).

Production Method
Hand‑selected bunches (portion botrytis); free-run juice fermented slowly at cool temperatures to dryness; minimal handling retained slight natural CO2 (spritz).

Vineyard Info
Family-owned Pegasus Bay (Donaldson family), founded 1986. Estate vineyards in Waipara with largely 30+ year vines on Glasnevin Gravels, low-yield, high-flavour fruit.