Three aromatic white wines from Central Otago to try

Archangel Stephania
Central Otago Riesling 2015 $25

Zenek Zurakowski has cleverly added the official International Riesling Foundation sweetness scale to his back label, clearly indicating this is definitely on the dry end of the spectrum. Lifted green apple and luscious lime aromas literally leap from the glass and then they rip across the tongue leaving a wake of wet stone and quartzy, mineral magic on the finish. Stunning stuff.

Sip with: sweet chilli prawns.

Ted by Mount Edward
Central Otago Pinot Blanc 2016 $25

Pinot blanc is such a rare thing in this country, but Duncan Forsyth and Anna Riederer are experts at crafting some of the best year after year. It's a complex little number, with summer wild flowers, white peach, walnut flesh and soft, exotic spices alongside a squeak of honeysuckle, which adds a frill to the finish. I love it!

Sip with: smoked tuna mousse.

Maude
Central Otago Pinot Gris 2017 $27

Central Otago has serious talent when it comes to hitting the stage with class-act pinot gris. Brand new and framed with an elegant line of nashi and quince, this new release
is delicately fruity, with a lovely chalky texture and cleansing finish. Sourced from vineyards growing at the foot of Mount Maude in Wanaka and made by Sarah-Kate and Dan Dineen, it's a style that has a spring in its step and love in its heart.

Sip with: twice-baked blue cheese souffle.

Yvonne Lorkin is co-founder and chief tasting officer of winefriend.co.nz and a Wine Writers of NZ member.