Today’s Story: Te Whare Ra
Te Whare Ra is a small family-owned winery established in 1979 but under the guide of winemakers Anna and Jason Flowerday since 2003. TWR’s vineyard is one of the oldest in Marlborough and consists of 11 hectares planted to Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Anna and Jason manage their vineyard adhering to organic and biodynamic principles, while also practicing minimal intervention in the cellar. The duo keeps their yields low, all fruit is hand-picked and hand-sorted, no chemicals are used in the vineyards, and the wine is made as naturally as possible with no fining agents, chemical tannins, or chemical yeast nutrients added. TWR is a founding member of Marlborough Natural Winegrowers (MANA) and is certified organic by BIOGRO NZ. To learn more about TWR’s farming and winemaking practices, explore their portfolio, or meet the team (including their cows and dogs), check out the website here.
I previously wrote about the 2014 Pinot Noir SV5182 from TWR, which is another very solid value and beautiful representation of terroir.
Today’s Wine: 2018 Riesling “D” SV5182
100% Riesling; 12.5% ABV
The 2018 Riesling “D” SV5182 is medium straw in color. Aromas are of pronounced intensity, and the nose showcases notes of lime zest, white peach, grapefruit, jasmine, petrol, limestone, and saline. Meanwhile the flavors are of medium (+) intensity, and the palate displays notes of lemon, lime zest, grapefruit, white florals, exotic white spice, and beeswax. This dry Riesling is light- to medium-bodied with high acidity, medium alcohol, and a long finish. 235 cases produced.
Price: $20. This is a very, very strong value play and should only get better with a few more years of cellar age. This wine’s balance, length, and intensity team up to strike above the price-point and, though this is hard to find, I’d buy it if you come across it.
JB's Wine Talk 