Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling is a beautifully crafted wine from Saint Clair Family Estate in the renowned Wairau Valley, Marlborough. Grown in the free-draining alluvial soils of the Woodbourne vineyard, this Riesling benefits from high sunshine hours and the dry North West winds, which naturally reduce disease pressure. The vineyard, known for its unique terroir and the larger-than-life personality of its owner, “Big John” Walsh, produces grapes with intense flavor concentration. Using careful winemaking techniques, the free-run juice is fermented at cool temperatures to enhance aromatics, and fermentation is halted at the perfect balance of acidity and sugar, resulting in a bright, expressive wine with an unmistakable sense of place.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
The Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling is an exceptional wine that showcases the best qualities of the Riesling grape variety.On the nose, expect intense aromas of ripe citrus fruits such as lemon and lime, accompanied by hints of green apple and white flowers. These fragrances create a refreshing and inviting bouquet that entices you to take your first sip. The natural sweetness of the Riesling grape is well-balanced by a crisp acidity, resulting in a harmonious and elegant flavor profile. The palate is filled with flavors of juicy peaches, zesty grapefruit, and a touch of honey, creating a delightful combination of fruitiness and complexity.
The Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling has a medium body and a smooth, lingering finish. Its well-integrated acidity provides a refreshing and cleansing sensation, making it a perfect companion for a variety of dishes. This wine pairs exceptionally well with seafood, particularly shellfish, as well as spicy Asian cuisine.
Marlborough is a wine region located in the northeast corner of New Zealand's South Island. It is the country's largest and most important wine-producing region, accounting for over 75% of the nation's total wine production. With its unique combination of geography, climate, and soil, Marlborough has become a world-renowned producer of high-quality wines.
Marlborough's wine industry began in the 1970s, when the first vineyards were planted in the region. Since then, the region has seen tremendous growth, with the number of vineyards increasing from just a handful in the 1970s to over 600 today. Marlborough's wines have become increasingly popular around the world, and the region now produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.