2025 Taka K Tussock Terrace Riesling, North Canterbury

Taka K Tussock Terrace Riesling from North Canterbury is a beautifully expressive cool-climate Riesling that reflects both the region’s wild landscapes and the precision of its winemaker, Takahiro Koyama. Koyama, originally from Japan, trained in Germany and now crafts some of New Zealand’s most distinctive Rieslings, combining old-world discipline with new-world vibrancy. His Tussock Terrace Riesling is grown on the limestone and clay slopes near Waipara, an area famed for its dry climate, long autumns and the tussock grasses that frame the vineyards and give the wine its name.

The North Canterbury terroir is key to the style of this wine. The stony, free-draining soils and cool nights preserve Riesling’s natural acidity, while the dry, sunny days promote ripe aromatics and concentration. Grapes are hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed, with fermentation carried out in stainless steel to highlight freshness and purity. The wine is made in an off-dry style, perfectly balancing delicate sweetness with vibrant acidity and a mineral backbone.

In the glass, Tussock Terrace Riesling is pale straw with a glint of green. The nose is bright and enticing, showing lime zest, white peach, green apple and jasmine with a hint of wet stone and honeycomb. On the palate, it’s precise and elegant, offering flavours of citrus, mandarin and ripe pear supported by crystalline acidity and a fine mineral line. The touch of residual sugar rounds out the texture, giving the wine a silky, juicy mouthfeel that finishes long and refreshing.

This Riesling pairs beautifully with lightly spiced Asian cuisine, fresh seafood, sushi or goat cheese. It’s also delicious with Thai green curry, Vietnamese summer rolls or a citrusy ceviche. While wonderfully vibrant in its youth, it has the structure and balance to age gracefully for up to ten years, developing notes of beeswax and toast.