Tag: Riverby Estate

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Looking Back – Riverby Estate w/ Kevin Courtenay ‘Feb 24

Kevin presented to us, with his views on the Marlborough history of wine growing, supplying and the present, as well as his predictions for the future of the area. All very informative and well received, leading to more than a bit of discussion by the members present. An intriguing evening of information and wine tasting.

A reminder of the tastings we had during the evening:

  • Riverby Rosé 2023 – Welcome wine – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Cicada Gewurztraminer 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Reserve Chardonnay 2022
  • Riverby Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Gruner Veltliner 2022
  • Riverby OVB 2021
  • Riverby Reserve Pinot Noir 2020
  • Riverby Noble Riesling 2019 – multiple award winner.

As well as the above, we were offered a small tasting of two of Riverby’s Rieslings:

  • Sal’s Block Riesling 2023 – this was a dri-ish tipple with 20gm of sugar
  • Eliza Riesling 2023 [blend of Riesling and sweet grapes] with 40gm of sugar

Both well received, depending on how sweet you like your wines. Kevin mentioned that most of his Rieslings go to the Scandinavian countries in Europe.

This tasting was clearly enjoyed, as evidenced by the 141 bottles ordered from Kevin. Well done.

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Tasting – Riverby Estate, Feb ’24

Wednesday 14th February 8 pm start
Door Price:  Members $10 / Guests $14

We have lined up for your February Club Monthly meeting an evening with Kevin Courtney of Riverby Estate from Blenheim.

Riverby are a boutique, family owned and run wine producer in Marlborough’s Jackson Road heartland. All grapes are grown on the estate vineyard by descendants of the Matthews family, who have been farming the property for over 100 years.  The Matthews farm was called Riverby and the original homestead, depicted on the Sauvignon Blanc back label, is still in use.

On their approximately 70ha vineyard they have three different soil types that allow the family to grow a variety of grapes, and their range of award-winning wines come from individual parcels on that single vineyard. Although not all their wines are made every year, as this depends on the quality of grapes for vintage.

The Riverby name originated from the Opawa River and its tributaries, which meandered through the property. This river was diverted in the 1930s to stop Blenheim from flooding, creating what was eventually to become ideal grape growing land. The rainbow trout on the Riverby label is symbolic of the fish that used to swim where grapes are now grown.

Old Vines Reserve Chardonnay 2020 - Silver Medal NZIWS 2022
Old Vines Reserve Chardonnay 2020 – Silver Medal NZIWS 2022

They are proud to practice sustainable grape-growing techniques throughout the whole grape-growing and winemaking cycle and are also pleased to be eligible to be members of Appellation Wine Marlborough (AWM) because of their vineyard practices and restricted yields.

In a throw-back to past glories, sheep are used extensively throughout the vineyard to control weeds and grasses.

Wines for the evening: 

  • Riverby Rose’ 2023 – Welcome wine – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Cicada Gewurztraminer 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Reserve Chardonnay 2022
  • Riverby Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Gruner Veltliner 2022
  • Riverby OVB 2021
  • Riverby Reserve Pinot Noir 2020
  • Riverby Noble Riesling 2019 – multiple award winner

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