Burn Cottage’s 2021 Riesling Grüner Veltliner is an expressive and beautifully balanced white from organically grown grapes in Central Otago. Co-fermented from Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, it offers fragrant layers of lime blossom, jasmine, peach, apricot, ginger and bergamot tea, underpinned by flinty minerality and mouthwatering chalk-like acidity. Medium-bodied and finely structured, the wine combines freshness and finesse with a subtle oily texture and a long, vibrant finish.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Dec 15, 2023
Drink: 2023-2033

As with all 2021 wines so far, this is preferable to the 2020. The 2021 Riesling-Gruner Veltliner leads with burnt brown sugar, preserved citrus, sourdough crust, sea salt, ginger and dried lavender. With 68% Riesling and the balance Grüner, this also has much higher residual sugar than the 2020—7.5 grams per liter. This occurred due to the natural ferment, and the winery did not push the yeast beyond what they naturally did. The varieties were destemmed, sat on skins in juice for 36 hours and were then co-fermented. I like the fact that these wines don't appear to show a hard boundary between the varieties; the integration is seamless. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

James Suckling | JS 92
Published: Mar 12, 2023

I like the relatively low alcohol sense to this with dried apple and ginger character. Pear drops, too. It’s medium-bodied and fruity. Lightly oily undertone. Flinty. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap.

Wine Spectator | WS 92
Published: Aug 12, 2024

This intriguing white is fragrant, with lemon blossom and jasmine up front, then fleshy notes of ripe peach, apricot and lemon curd. Finishes with an accent of candied ginger peel, while a fresh thread of acidity keeps the flavors bright and juicy. Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Drink now. 250 cases made, 30 cases imported.

Burncottage.com

Lovely handpicked fruit from both varieties was pressed and co-fermented together after up to 48 hours skin contact. The wine displays great aromatic layers with bright notes of lime flower, freshly cut ginger, peach kernel and bergamot tea along with a lovely herbal note. The palate is one of poise and finesse, with a fine structure supported by mouthwatering chalk-like acidity extending through. Wonderful mineral notes lend energy and focus. Early in its development for now, this wine will reward further with time.