New Zealand's signature white wine variety is, without question, Sauvignon Blanc. The variety accounts for about 65% of all vineyards in New Zealand. It is loved in the global market for its fresh tropical fruit aromas and piercing acidity. Yet at the end of last year, the global wine critique outlet James Suckling offered unusual praise not for Sauvignon Blanc but for a New Zealand Riesling. The outlet said, "This wine shows the style of Germany's Saar region," adding, "It is distinguished by intense minerality, lime aromas, vivid energy, and a long finish." It awarded a score of 95 out of 100.
Riesling's homeland is Germany. Originating in the Rhine River basin, the variety is still regarded as Germany's most important white grape, and Germany remains the world's most important Riesling region. According to New Zealand Winegrowers, Riesling began to be planted in New Zealand on a large scale after the 1980s. Among white varieties planted in recent years, it is a minor variety, ranking fourth after Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Considering this, James Suckling's assessment is unusual. The wine James Suckling mentioned is a Riesling from SHEiLD, a new winery based in Nelson, New Zealand.
The brand name SHEiLD comes from the surname of founder Trudy Sheild. She is from Hawke's Bay on the North Island and was originally a scientist who studied biology and microbiology. Working in medical microbiology, she studied enology at Lincoln University in New Zealand in 2001. She then spent about 20 years as a winemaker at Waimea Estates and Middle Earth in Nelson, exploring the region's climate and vineyards in depth. In 2021, together with partner Blair Gibbs, who handles marketing, she acquired and rebranded Middle Earth and established a winery bearing her name.
Ninety-five percent of New Zealand Riesling is grown on the South Island. Nelson, home to the SHEiLD winery, is at the northern tip of the South Island. Influenced by a maritime climate, days are warm with abundant sunshine, while at night, cool air off the sea settles in, leaving the grapes with vivid acidity. Consistent winds reduce vineyard disease pressure, and the long, dry autumn is considered perfect for cultivating Riesling. The gravel, clay, and calcareous soils, a mix of glacial and fluvial deposits, drain well and are rich in minerals, highlighting Riesling's minerality and clean structure.
New Zealand Winegrowers said, "Riesling produced in Nelson boasts rich fruit aromas blending ripe stone fruit, spices, and citrus blossom," adding, "Thanks to Nelson's sunshine, mild climate, and high diurnal range, you can sense intense aromatics and a clean, structured palate."
In particular, SHEiLD Riesling is credited with reflecting the precise observation and sense of balance of Trudy Sheild, who has a background as a scientist. The grapes are handled delicately from harvest, which takes place in the early morning in early April when temperatures are at their lowest. During transport to the winery, the juice and skins naturally make contact to deepen flavor. At the winery, the grapes are destemmed, lightly crushed, and pressed, with the pressing closely monitored to separate the solids.
The must undergoes extended cold settling to achieve high clarity, and during fermentation, the temperature is gradually increased and a yeast strain isolated from German Riesling is added. After fermentation, the wine is aged on fine lees for about four months to build texture and complexity.
The finished wine shows a pale yellow hue reminiscent of translucent fruit, with citrus blossom and lime aromas harmonizing with soft hints of white honey. A touch of residual sweetness and Riesling's hallmark acidity bring juicy vibrancy on the palate, and a mineral finish lingers long.
SHEiLD winery presents its Riesling as a wine well suited for 11 a.m. or lunchtime. It also works nicely as an aperitif to lift the mood. It pairs superbly with glossy pork dishes or sweet-and-spicy Asian-style fare. It won the grand prize in the white wine category at the 2025 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards. The domestic importer is Nihonshu Korea.