Waitaki Valley

Commercial vines were first planted in Waitaki in 2001. Its official geographical-indication name is Waitaki Valley North Otago. Vineyards lie about 20 kilometres inland from the Waitaki River mouth, on the boundary between North Otago and South Canterbury in New Zealand. This is a very cool growing area, with warm summers and usually long, dry autumns. Vines grow on weathered limestone slopes and free-draining river gravels containing limestone, greywacke and schist. The braided river runs from the Southern Alps to the sea. Pinot Noir is the main grape, producing wines that can be restrained and savoury. Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer are important aromatic white varieties. Chardonnay, planted on a smaller scale, can have pronounced acidity and mineral notes. Riesling and Pinot Gris can also combine pronounced acidity with comparatively low alcohol.