Lawson’s Dry Hills Riesling, Marlborough

Lawson’s Dry Hills is a boutique winery, close to Blenheim in New Zealand’s Marlborough region. It is part of the Family of Twelve, a fraternity of twelve of New Zealand’s most prestigious and enduring artisanal wineries.

The original company vineyard was planted in 1982 by Ross and Barbara Lawson, who launched the Lawson’s Dry Hills label some ten years later, in 1992. Today, the company’s wines range from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir to Riesling and Gewurztraminer and are all made from fruit grown in the Wairau, Waihopai, Omaka and Awatere Valleys. These different regions and carefully selected vineyard sites provide varying characteristics derived from the different soils and microclimates, giving many options when it comes to blending to that much-anticipated Lawson’s style.

The dedicated bunch of people that make up the small team here are relaxed in company, yet passionate about their wines. They are very ‘hands on’, living and breathing every part of the viticultural and winemaking process and love to share their award-winning wines with others.

This dry, yet rich Riesling is more of like a wine of Alsace than from Germany. Lime zest, orange blossom and subtle notes of white peach and honey result in an attractive, aromatic nose. The palate is crisp and dry with mouth-watering acidity and wonderful balance.

With its crisp acidity, this wine is a wonderful aperitif. It is also delicious as a contrast to rich foods such as patés and terrines or subtle-flavours white fish and other seafood. Enjoy with sushi too, salads and ‘green’ flavours such as jalapeno chilli, fresh herbs and dishes that require a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.