Burn Cottage Riesling - Gruner Veltliner 2020

Region and Vineyards

Burn Cottage is situated in the Central Otago wine region, the southernmost wine-growing area in the world, renowned for its cool climate and dramatic landscapes. The region benefits from a continental climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, which helps to maintain the natural acidity in the grapes while allowing full ripeness and flavor development.

The Riesling and Grüner Veltliner vines are grown in a slightly cooler microclimate near the top of the vineyard site, benefiting from extended ripening time. This allows for the development of concentrated flavors while preserving the wine’s signature brightness and acidity. The soils in the vineyard consist of free-draining schist and gravel, providing the perfect conditions for growing aromatic varieties that express purity and minerality.

Winemaking

The Burn Cottage Riesling - Grüner Veltliner was harvested in two stages, with each clone of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner picked separately. The Grüner Veltliner grapes were destemmed and lightly foot-crushed, followed by a period of skin contact to enhance the wine’s texture. The Riesling grapes were treated similarly, with whole bunches lightly foot-crushed and given time for skin contact.

The wine underwent two stages of skin contact: the first picking was pressed after 6 hours, while the second pass enjoyed 62 hours of skin contact. The two varieties were then co-fermented in a combination of stainless steel barrels and neutral oak barriques to preserve freshness and introduce subtle complexity. The wine aged for 11 months in these vessels, allowing the flavors to integrate while maintaining the vibrancy of the fruit.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale lemon with green highlights.
• Aroma: Enticing aromas of white peach, jasmine, and lime, complemented by subtle hints of white pepper and ginger spice.
• Palate: The palate is richly textured and expressive, with flavors of stone fruit and citrus. A chalky mineral element adds depth, while the fine, supple structure is enhanced by the skin contact. The wine shows excellent persistence, finishing with refreshing acidity and a lingering spice.

Did You Know?

Burn Cottage’s Riesling - Grüner Veltliner blend is a rarity in New Zealand, where these varieties are not often co-fermented. The vineyard's location in a cooler microclimate helps these two aromatic grapes develop together, creating a unique expression of Central Otago’s terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Austrian-style schnitzel with lemon: The zesty acidity of the wine balances the richness of the schnitzel, while the Grüner Veltliner component complements the dish’s earthy breadcrumb coating.
• Thai green curry with prawns: The aromatic spices of the wine harmonize with the fresh herbs and citrusy notes of the curry, while its refreshing acidity cuts through the richness of the coconut milk.
• Goat cheese and honey tart: The wine’s floral and citrus notes highlight the tanginess of the goat cheese, while the hint of sweetness in the honey complements the texture.
• Grilled asparagus with hollandaise sauce: The minerality and acidity of the wine pair beautifully with the creaminess of the hollandaise and the earthiness of the asparagus.

History of Burn Cottage Estate

Founded in 2002, Burn Cottage quickly gained a reputation for excellence in the world of wine. The estate was established by Americans Marquis and Dianne Sauvage, who were captivated by the potential of Central Otago to produce world-class wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Marquis Sauvage was inspired to create a vineyard that would work harmoniously with the environment, adopting biodynamic practices from the beginning.

Ted Lemon, a renowned winemaker with experience in Burgundy and California, was brought in as a consultant to guide Burn Cottage’s winemaking philosophy. His expertise helped shape the estate’s vision of producing wines that reflect the vineyard’s unique terroir, using minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery.

Since its first vintage in 2009, Burn Cottage has become known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and has earned accolades for its commitment to sustainability and its ability to craft wines that are true to the vineyard's natural environment.

Region and Vineyards

Burn Cottage is located in the Lowburn sub-region of Central Otago, New Zealand’s southernmost wine-growing area and one of the best regions in the world for cool-climate Pinot Noir. Central Otago’s continental climate, with its hot summers, cool nights, and long growing season, is ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The region’s soils are composed of schist, clay, and gravel, which contribute to the distinct minerality and depth of Burn Cottage’s wines.

The Burn Cottage Vineyard covers 24 hectares, with plantings of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner. The vineyard is farmed according to biodynamic principles, which means that the farming practices are guided by the lunar calendar and focus on maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and the overall well-being of the vineyard ecosystem.

The estate’s Pinot Noir vines are planted at a high density, which encourages competition between the vines, resulting in lower yields but more concentrated and complex fruit. The use of cover crops and natural composts also enhances the vitality of the vineyard, ensuring that the wines truly reflect the terroir of Central Otago.

Wine Range

Burn Cottage focuses on producing Pinot Noir but also crafts limited amounts of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. The winery’s approach is based on minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes and vineyard to shine through in the wines.

• Burn Cottage Pinot Noir: The estate’s flagship wine, this Pinot Noir showcases the vibrant red fruit, spice, and earthy complexity that Central Otago is known for, with a refined structure and long aging potential.
• Moonlight Race Pinot Noir: A blend from three different vineyard sites in Central Otago, including Burn Cottage, Sauvage Vineyard, and Luna Vineyard, offering a more accessible expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir with vibrant fruit and layered complexity.
• Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir: A single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the estate's Sauvage Vineyard, this wine highlights the depth, power, and elegance of the vineyard’s terroir.
• Riesling & Grüner Veltliner: Limited-production wines that are made with the same focus on purity and expression as the estate’s Pinot Noir.

Did You Know?

Burn Cottage was one of the first vineyards in Central Otago to adopt biodynamic farming practices from the outset. The estate’s commitment to sustainability and biodynamic viticulture has earned it certifications and recognition in the global wine community. Additionally, Burn Cottage's philosophy is rooted in a belief that farming in harmony with the land not only benefits the environment but also leads to more expressive and distinctive wines.