Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling 2024

Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Riesling 2024 is a remarkable wine and is only produced in exceptional years. On the nose, the wine presents strong citrus aromas of ripe lime and orange zest with floral notes of orange blossom shining through. On the palate, the wine is dry, crisp and refreshing, with well-balanced acidity that accentuates the fruit flavours. The palate is dominated by citrus flavours of lime, orange zest and grapefruit, with hints of apricot and ginger. The texture of the wine is silky and luxurious and the finish is lingering and dry. The wine retains a little of its natural carbon dioxide which gives it a little spritz and accentuates its freshness. A really beautiful Riesling that will continue to evolve gracefully with age.

Warm days and cool nights that help balance the ripeness of the grapes with the refreshing acidity are the norm for these vineyards. In 2024 following a cool Spring which meant lower yields, the warm summer months were perfect to ripen the grapes to maturity which is essential for Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Riesling’s structure, richness and full body. Though there were fewer grapes, they were intensely flavoured and concentrated. Cool fermentation ensured the fruit purity was retained.

Raymond Chan who sadly passed away described Riesling as one of the two “signature varieties of the Waipara Valley in North Canterbury” and Pegasus Bay as “leaders” in its production. Often in wine-making the aim is to express the terroir of a single vineyard but not with this wine because according to the winemaker at Pegasus Bay, Mat Donaldson, although single sites in the region do show an individual character and terroir, not all of them are worthy of capturing and expressing. Raymond Chan describes the style of this wine as “particularly connected with the tastes of the sophisticated consumer”.

For another Wow wine from Pegasus Bay, try their Pinot Noir.

Chilled this makes an amazing aperitif. Foods that dry Rieslings are well suited to include shellfish, fish generally but especially smoked fish and oily fish. Rich creamy dishes. Mild dishes – don’t try anything too hot or chilli-flavoured with a dry Riesling as the heat will kill the beautiful fruit flavours of the wine. Asparagus and artichokes can both be very tricky to pair with wine but are perfect with a dry Riesling.

Serve at: 10 – 12°C

“You are greeted by a light gold colour with a shining lime hue. A full and richly scented bouquet rises from the glass, with suggestions of pineapple, quince and oyster shell, spliced with floral notes of citrus blossom and honeysuckle. The concentrated palate displays outstanding weight and a richly textured mouthfeel, perfectly structured by vibrant acidity and a sassy dash of spritzig. Bel Canto 24 is impressively complex and flavoursome, with an expansive, persistent finish.”

95 points – Cameron Douglas MS
“A fragrant and delicious wine… complex and classic PB style”

18.5+/ 20 points – RaymondChanWineReviews.co.nz
“Bright, even, pale yellow gold. The nose is full, with aromas of stonefruit, lychee, underlying citrus, zest, jasmine and orange blossom. Full-bodied, dry to taste, aromas of apricot, lychee and grapefruit intertwined with grapefruit peels, jasmine and orange blossom. The fruit is lush and shows good weight; invigorating acidity carries zesty spice and floral fragrance to an extended, layered finish. A consistent, complex and intriguing Riesling. Match with fish terrine and lemon chicken over the next 6+ years. Only produced in exceptional vintages...”

4 stars – Michael Cooper
“Mouthfilling, it has rich yet delicate, very energetic flavour.”