top-banner

Central Otago

New Zealand
Top Subregions: BannockburnBendigoWanakaCentral OtagoAlexandra

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.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Duck And Goose
Chicken
Pork
Learn More
$19.20
Go to Shop
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.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Chicken
Tuna And Swordfish
Sushi
Learn More
$25.93
Go to Shop
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.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Beef
Duck And Goose
Game
Learn More
$24.97
Go to Shop
3 Vintages Available
Bottle of Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir from search results

Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir

Mt Difficulty

User Rating:
4.1
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir is a premium wine produced by Mt Difficulty Wines, a renowned winery located in the Bannockburn appellation of Central Otago, New Zealand. The vineyard is situated on the slopes of the mountain, which provides unique and challenging growing conditions for the grapes. The wine is made using traditional winemaking techniques, including handpicking and fermentation in small batches, to ensure the highest quality. The resulting wine is a classic Pinot Noir with a rich and complex flavor profile, featuring notes of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Duck And Goose
Vegetable
Fruit
Bruschetta And Crostini
Learn More
$39.99
Go to Shop
3 Vintages Available
Bottle of Matua Pinot Noir Rosé from search results

Matua Pinot Noir Rosé

Matua

User Rating:
3.6
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
3.8
Matua Pinot Noir Rosé is a delightful wine produced by Matua, a renowned winery in New Zealand. This wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the vineyards of Marlborough, a region known for its cool climate and ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir. The grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand to ensure the highest quality. The winemaking process involves gentle pressing of the grapes to extract the delicate flavors and aromas, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The resulting wine is a beautiful pale pink color with fresh and vibrant aromas of strawberries and raspberries. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing with a lovely balance of fruit and acidity. This wine is perfect for any occasion and pairs well with a variety of foods.
Read more
Food Pairing:
Salmon
Duck And Goose
Salad
Fruit
Cheese
Bruschetta And Crostini
Learn More
$12.95
Go to Shop
3 Vintages Available