Botrytised Riesling takes Champion Sweet Wine trophy

A wine made only once every few years was this year crowned the Barrel Finance & Logistics Champion Sweet Wine at the Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

Wairau River Reserve Botrytised Riesling 2022 picked up the trophy, after a warm, humid growing season resulted in optimal fruit to make the wine.

Winemaker Mary Schneier says to win the trophy with a wine they only have limited opportunities to produce was exciting for the team.

She shared a little about the wine, including what you might like to pair it with this summer…

I understand this wine is only made when the conditions are just right. Tell us about what those conditions need to be and what it was about 2022 that meant the wine was a success?

Botrytis thrives in warm, humid conditions, which there was no shortage of in 2022. The Riesling skins were thick and healthy, and the long, sunny afternoons later in the season allowed us to leave the grapes on the vine for an extended period. It was this combination of factors that allowed the ideal noble rot to develop and concentrate the sugars and flavours.

What do you love about this wine and how did it feel to pick up the Barrel Finance & Logistics Champion Sweet Wine Trophy at the show?

I love how concentrated and powerful this wine is. One small sip and you’re met with generous sweetness, acidity, and delicious honeyed and nutty flavours. Plus, it’ll only get better with further ageing. As we only get one shot at making this wine every few years, it was super exciting to pick up the trophy and see all the hard work in the vineyard and winery pay off.

Are sweet wines something you put particular focus on at Wairau River Estate? What makes Marlborough a good place to experiment with and produce these wines?

Not necessarily, but they’ve been an important part of our line-up since the beginning. We have a wine library with our Botrytis wines dating back to the early nineties. This being one of the longer-lived styles that we make, we have the chance to look back and reflect on what’s worked and how we can improve.

What makes Marlborough a great place to produce these wines is the foresight of the early pioneers who planted the key varieties capable of producing such delicious wines – many of whom we heard from at the Marlborough Wine Show Awards dinner this year. They’re the ones who created the atmosphere of innovation and collaboration and had the determination to give these styles a chance.

Any must-try food pairings to go with the Wairau River Reserve Botrytised Riesling 2022?

Crème brûlée is always my go-to with our 2022 Botrytised Riesling. If you’re not in the dessert mood, it’s also great with fig, blue cheese, and prosciutto pizza. Top it with some walnuts – you won’t be disappointed.