A planting dream at Te Kano
An ancient kōwhai atop a craggy hill face has inspired a decade-long planting programme at Northburn Vineyard in Central Otago.
Georg J. Riedel, owner of the 300-year old Austrian company, created the new glassware after running a sensory workshop in the region. The workshop, which took place in 2013, was an effort to discover the perfect glass for Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Riedel, returned from Austria to launch the new glass at a media workshop tasting in Auckland this week.
Rudi Bauer, spokesperson for the Central Otago Winegrowers Association, says that the glass is unique to other Pinot Noir glasses in the Riedel portfolio in the way it accentuates the aroma and taste of the region's fruit-focussed and intense mineral style.
"The unique attributes and consistent quality of Pinot Noir from Central Otago has captivated critics and consumers around the world, and we're excited about taking yet another step forward."
Central Otago Winegrowers Association has worked closely with Riedel for over two years, and have reason to celebrate the attention their region has generated from the world-leading glass company.
"Riedel brought vision and endorsement to the creation of the perfect glass to enjoy Central Otago Pinot Noir. It is an important milestone in the development and reputation of our spectacular wine region," says Bauer.
Pinot Noir is New Zealand's second most exported wine. There has been 30% growth in export sales of New Zealand Pinot Noir in the last five years, with 10.7 million litres exported in the 12 months to June year-end 2014. Pinot Noir is the most planted grape variety in Central Otago accounting for 77% of all plantings in the region.
