Central Otago is New Zealand's highest and the world's most southerly wine region situated at latitude 45º south. The climate is composed of very cold winters, hot summers, cool night time temperatures and very low rainfall. This combined with the mostly glacially derived soils, with rich deposits of mica and schist, is ideally suited to Pinot Noir (80% of the plantings), producing expressive and elegant wines. The region also produces a variety of white wines including Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. The wines of Central Otago have a purity, intensity and vibrancy reflective of the region's terroir and pure mountain air.