I bought this New Zealand Riesling at Vino, which until recently used to sell only Italian wines. But now that Vino also carries non-Italian wines such as this inexpensive Riesling from New Zealand it will hopefully also offer an Italian Riesling now and then. But back to New Zealand...
Spy Valley's 2008 Riesling was described to me as "off-dry" in an apologetic mannerism, whispered almost, as if sugar was sin. Well, if residual sugar is sin, then have no fear. This Riesling is pretty much dry. Off-dry perhaps compared to a young Barolo, but my palate perceives it as dry with maybe a hint of residual sugar. Despite the fact that it has 16 grams of RS left. It must be the acidity that hides the sugar.
It starts off fairly typical for New Zealand (or Australia, for that matter) with a pronounced candied pear aroma. Rest assured, this is where the cool fermentation typicity ends. On the palate Spy Valley's Riesling is unusually spicy and my excitement is further stirred by a crisp acidity in the wine. Green pear and grapefruit is there, but its the spice that is dominant. The grapes for this Riesling were harvested from different vineyards in Marlborough on primarily shallow and stony soils with overlying sandy loam and some clay.
A perfect wine for a picnic. Its fiery spiciness will let you forget for a moment the ants and bugs and other harmful microorganisms on your sandwich. This Riesling is quite an exciting find for $14.