Rieslings Go Head-to-Head

Rieslings Go Head-to-Head At Nelson International Aromatics Symposium

Wine lovers will have the chance to taste and compare Rieslings from Austria and New Zealand as part of the Nelson International Aromatics Symposium 2013.

The symposium is on over two days from noon on Friday February 1st to 2.30pm on Saturday February 2nd 2013 at the Moutere Hills Community Centre in Upper Moutere, Nelson. It has been timed to lead on from the Pinot Noir conference in Wellington which ends on Thursday January 31st , so that delegates can attend both events.

Chairman of the Nelson International Aromatics Symposium, Patrick Stowe, said the triennial symposium always features Riesling. “It’s the justifiable star among aromatic wines,” he says.

The 2013 Symposium will include two Riesling tasting events on Saturday February the 2nd. Firstly a comparison of Austrian and New Zealand Rieslings led by Shane Munn of Woollaston Estates followed by a second tasting panel looking at a Decade of Nelson Rieslings, led by Andrew Greenhough of Greenhough Vineyards. Eight Nelson Rieslings from recent releases and the past decade will be included to compare for the aging process.

“Riesling does exceptionally well in the Nelson region. It very much reflects where it is grown. Riesling is known for its transparency as it expresses the characteristics of the soil and climate more than most varieties.”

Several wine writers and commentators from Europe, North America and Australia have confirmed they are attending the symposium and Patrick Stowe says it’s a great opportunity for Nelson to expose its aromatics to the world.

“We have internationally recognised wine commentators coming to us directly from Pinot Noir 2013 and we are keen to show them what’s happening here in New Zealand with Aromatics. Naturally we’ll want to find out their thoughts and views. It’s also an opportunity for New Zealand winemakers to talk with some of the influential commentators in the wine world.”

The symposium will include some top Austrian Rieslings which Patrick Stowe says will be exciting for delegates to taste. Award-winning Austrian winemaker Markus Huber is the key note speaker and will be talking about the Riesling and also about Grüner Veltliner, which are Austria’s most popular white wines.

“We’ve put together a comprehensive programme that will no doubt spark some interesting discussions.

While Nelson produces a very small percentage (4.7%) of New Zealand’s Riesling, the area has gained a reputation for delivering high quality wines, with 9 gold medals in prestigious national and international competitions in 2012.

Tickets for The Nelson International Aromatics Symposium 2013 can be booked at the Nelson Wineart website www.wineart.co.nz.

ENDS

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