An influential European wine magazine based in Austria has given Central Otago Pinot Noirs the thumbs up in a recent review, describing the area as the Burgundy of the Southern Hemisphere.

Quartz Reef wines topped Falstaff magazine’s list with a rating of 96 points out of 100 for its 2017 and 2018 Bendigo Estate single ferment Pinot Noirs respectively.

“The tasting was conducted in Vienna to review New Zealand red wines, “ says Quartz Reef owner and winemaker Rudi Bauer. “It was an exciting result for us with over 150 Pinot Noirs on offer. In fact it was a win for the whole Central Otago region, with other local wineries also scoring particularly well.”

“The uniqueness of Central Otago’s Pinot Noir is undeniable and the results will highlight our distinctive wines to the world,” he says.

Rudi says the Quartz Reef 2020 Pinot Noirs have been extremely well received and the 2021 vintage , currently in the barrel, will be up to expectation.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone and a key driver for the wine sector is to help support both the local and national hospitality industry through the tough times.”

A recent Central Otago Winegrowers Association event known as MTC21 showcased the region, along with tourism opportunities to hospitality representatives from around New Zealand.

“ This sort of initiative brings energy and knowledge to a wider audience and our guests depart as ambassadors for both our wine industry and our region in general, spreading the word to a wide audience,” says Rudi. “Planning is also underway for the Central Otago Pinot Celebration in January 2022 which will focus on the theme of the Next Generation and will further promote our spectacular wines both nationally and internationally.”