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Central Otago

New Zealand
Top Subregions: BannockburnAlexandraBendigoWanakaCentral Otago

Region Description

Huddled in the bottom of New Zealand's South Island, Central Otago is the world's southernmost wine region. With its unique terroir, Central Otago is home to some of the country's most exciting and distinctive wines. Central Otago's wine industry began in the late 19th century, when the first vines were planted in the region. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the region began to gain recognition for its wines. Since then, the region has become one of New Zealand's most important wine regions, producing some of the country's most sought-after Pinot Noirs.

Beautiful landscape of Central Otago wine region

Grapes & Wine Styles

Central Otago is best known for its Pinot Noir, which is the region's flagship variety. Other red varieties grown in the region include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. White varieties grown in the region include Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. The wines of Central Otago are known for their intense fruit flavors and complex structure.

Notable Producers

Central Otago is home to some of New Zealand's most renowned wineries, including Amisfield, Akitu, and Rippon.

Fun Fact about Central Otago
The distance between Central Otago and Antarctica is only about 3,000 km.

Top Wines from Central Otago

Bottle of Mud House Pinot Noir from search results

Mud House Pinot Noir

Mud House

User Rating:
3.7
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
3.8
Mud House Pinot Noir is a delightful red wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Crafted in a renowned appellation, this wine is made from grapes grown in exceptional vineyards. The unique terroir of these vineyards imparts distinct characteristics to the wine, resulting in a truly memorable experience. The winemaking process involves careful attention to detail, ensuring that the wine retains its elegance and finesse. With a style that is both refined and approachable, Mud House Pinot Noir offers a harmonious balance of fruit flavors, subtle earthiness, and silky tannins. This wine is a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated and enjoyable red wine experience.
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Food Pairing:
Duck And Goose
Chicken
Pork
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$19.20
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2 Vintages Available
Bottle of Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle Brut from search results

Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle Brut Natural

Quartz Reef

User Rating:
3.7
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle Brut is a sparkling wine that showcases the expertise of its producer in crafting exceptional wines. Hailing from a renowned appellation, this wine is made from grapes grown in a vineyard with unique features that contribute to its distinct character. The winemaking process involves the traditional method, resulting in a wine with fine bubbles and a delicate mousse. With a style that is both elegant and refreshing, this wine offers a harmonious balance of flavors, making it a perfect choice for celebratory occasions or simply enjoying with friends. Its quality and craftsmanship make Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle Brut a standout choice for sparkling wine enthusiasts.
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Food Pairing:
Chicken
Tuna And Swordfish
Sushi
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$25.99
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1 NV Vintage Available
Bottle of Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir from search results

Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir

Mt Difficulty

User Rating:
3.8
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir is a premium wine produced by Mt Difficulty, a renowned winery in Central Otago, New Zealand. The wine is named after a local stream and is made from grapes grown Central Otago, known for its unique terroir and high-quality Pinot Noir. The vineyard features steep slopes and schist soils, which contribute to the wine's complexity and depth. The winemaking process involves careful selection of grapes, gentle handling, and aging in French oak barrels. The resulting wine is elegant and refined, with notes of dark cherry, plum, and spice, and a silky texture. It is a perfect representation of the Central Otago style of Pinot Noir.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Duck And Goose
Game
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$24.97
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3 Vintages Available
Bottle of Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir from search results

Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.3
Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir is a captivating wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Hailing from the esteemed appellation of Central Otago, New Zealand, this wine is crafted from grapes grown in the unique vineyard of Burn Cottage. The vineyard's features, such as its biodynamic farming practices and limestone-rich soils, contribute to the wine's exceptional quality. The winemaking process involves careful hand-harvesting and minimal intervention, allowing the true expression of the Pinot Noir grape to shine through. The resulting wine is elegant and refined, with a beautiful balance of fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a lingering finish. It is a true testament to the artistry and dedication behind its creation.
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Food Pairing:
Salmon
Duck And Goose
Chicken
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$45.00
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3 Vintages Available
Bottle of Burn Cottage Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir from search results

Burn Cottage Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage

User Rating:
4.2
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.3
Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir is a premium wine produced by Burn Cottage, a renowned winery located in Central Otago, New Zealand. The wine is made from grapes grown in the Burn Cottage Vineyard, which is known for its unique terroir and high altitude. The vineyard features a mix of schist, clay, and gravel soils, which impart a distinct minerality to the wine. The winemaking process involves minimal intervention, with the grapes being handpicked and fermented using natural yeasts. The resulting wine is elegant and complex, with notes of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. It is a perfect representation of the Central Otago region and a must-try for any Pinot Noir lover.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Chicken
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$67.00
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3 Vintages Available