Framingham Noble Riesling 2018

Cellar for up to 6 years. Serve well chilled.

Framingham was founded in 1981 by Rex Brooke-Taylor, an engineer from Wellington, who planted his first vineyard in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough in that year. Rex chose to name his new venture after his ancestors’ hometown in England and the first wine to be released under that label was a 1994 Riesling.

Since those early days Riesling has been one of the key varieties produced at Framingham and today the estate has some of the oldest Riesling vines in Marlborough. This stunning example is a late harvest Riesling which is crafted from grapes that have been left out during the autumn until they are affected by botrytis or “noble rot” as it is often known. This process helps to concentrate and intensify the flavours and aromas in the grapes and reduces the water content, resulting in a rich and sweet dessert wine which is perfectly balanced with refreshing acidity.

Apricots, honey and citrus characterise the nose, while the first sip reveals a luscious sweetness harmonised by a bright acidity and intense dried fruit and tropical fruit flavours that linger long on the tongue. Try pairing this luxurious dessert wine with blue cheeses, crème brûlée, or even foie gras to provide a counterpoint to the sweetness and rich flavours of the wine.