Rippon Riesling Mature Vine 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Rippon vineyard is located on the shores of Lake Wanaka in Central Otago, New Zealand. This unique site is characterized by ancient schist gravel soils, which contribute a distinct minerality to the wines produced here. The vineyard is set on an ejection cone of these gravels, providing excellent drainage and poor soil fertility, which encourages deep root growth and complex flavor development in the vines. The region benefits from a continental climate with warm days and cool nights, which allows for slow, even ripening of the fruit while maintaining high acidity levels, critical for producing fresh and lively Riesling.

The Riesling vines at Rippon were planted between 1987 and 2000, with a vine density of 3800 vines per hectare, ensuring that the fruit is concentrated and expressive. These are ungrafted vines, growing directly in the unique soils of the vineyard, which further enhances their expression of terroir.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage was hand-harvested on the 10th, 11th, and 14th of April. After picking, the fruit was handled with great care, placed into small 10 kg cases to prevent any damage. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were gently crushed by foot and allowed to macerate on the skins overnight to extract flavor and texture. The following day, the fruit was whole-bunch pressed and the juice was moved by gravity into a settling tank. After 12 hours of settling, the juice was racked, keeping the fine lees, into a horizontal stainless-steel tank for fermentation.

The fermentation was carried out using indigenous yeasts (non-inoculated), a process that lasted 21 days, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 27°C. The wine remained on its primary lees for 4 months, contributing texture and complexity, before being bottled on 16th November 2022.

The final wine presents an analysis of pH 2.93, total acidity of 7.4 g/L, an alcohol level of 12.5%, and 12 g/L of residual sugar, giving it a balanced, off-dry profile that allows the fruit and acidity to shine.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with a slight green tinge, indicating freshness and youth.
• Aroma: The nose is fragrant with notes of lime zest, green apple, and white peach, supported by delicate floral aromas and a subtle hint of wet stone minerality.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is lively and refreshing, with flavors of citrus, pear, and apricot complemented by a vibrant acidity. The texture is enhanced by time on the lees, providing a creamy mouthfeel that balances the crisp, mineral-driven finish. The subtle sweetness is perfectly balanced by the zesty acidity, leaving a long and clean finish.

Did you know?

The Rippon Riesling is made from vines planted without rootstock, allowing the plants to grow directly in the schist-based soils, a method that enhances their ability to express the unique terroir of Lake Wanaka. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainable and natural viticulture.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seafood ceviche: The bright acidity of the Riesling complements the fresh, zesty flavors of ceviche, while its minerality enhances the seafood's natural brininess.
• Grilled asparagus with hollandaise: The wine’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the hollandaise sauce, while its citrus notes pair well with the vegetal flavors of the asparagus.
• Thai green curry: The touch of sweetness in the wine balances the spice of the curry, and the acidity refreshes the palate after each bite.
• Goat cheese tart: The tangy, creamy texture of goat cheese is a perfect match for the Riesling's acidity and citrus-driven profile.

History of Rippon Vineyards Estate

The Rippon Estate was established in the 1970s by Rolfe Mills, a visionary who recognized the potential of Central Otago as a premium wine-growing region. The estate's name, Rippon, comes from Rolfe’s great-grandmother, Emma Rippon, whose family owned land in the area. Initially, the Mills family planted experimental plots to test the suitability of various grape varieties to the region’s challenging climate. It soon became evident that Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer thrived particularly well in the schist-based soils of Rippon’s vineyards.

In the early 1980s, the estate made its first commercial wines, and since then, Rippon has become a benchmark for biodynamic viticulture in New Zealand. Today, the estate is managed by Nick Mills, the son of Rolfe, who returned to New Zealand after training and working in Burgundy. Under Nick’s leadership, Rippon has continued its commitment to sustainable and biodynamic farming, further enhancing the purity and quality of the wines.

Region and Vineyards

Rippon Vineyards is located in Central Otago, one of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions, famous for its continental climate and its ability to produce elegant, complex wines. The estate sits on the western shores of Roy’s Bay, with a north-facing aspect that allows the vines to soak up the sun, promoting even ripening while maintaining vibrant acidity.

The soils of Rippon’s vineyards are unique, formed by an ancient ejection cone of schist gravels. This rocky, mineral-rich soil provides excellent drainage and low fertility, forcing the vines to work harder and dig deep for nutrients, which results in wines of great concentration and minerality. The estate’s oldest vines, some dating back to 1982, are ungrafted, allowing them to grow directly into the schist soils, further emphasizing the expression of terroir.

Wine Range

Rippon is best known for its outstanding Pinot Noir, which has garnered international acclaim for its purity, elegance, and ability to age gracefully. The estate produces several expressions of Pinot Noir, including the Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir and the Rippon Tinker’s Field Pinot Noir, a single-vineyard wine from the oldest and most prized vines on the property.

In addition to Pinot Noir, Rippon also produces exceptional Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc, all of which reflect the unique terroir of Lake Wanaka. These wines are characterized by their bright acidity, aromatic complexity, and precise minerality.

Did you know?

Rippon Vineyards has long been a leader in biodynamic farming in New Zealand. The estate has been farmed biodynamically since the 1990s, and it remains one of the few wineries in the country fully committed to these sustainable practices. This holistic approach to viticulture is centered around working in harmony with the land, enhancing the health of the soils, vines, and surrounding environment to produce wines that truly express their place of origin.