Dry Riesling - The Water Race 2014

Central Otago's Domain Road Vineyard, near Bannockburn, is sited in a sheltered valley which provides a unique micro-climate, ideal for producing premium quality wines.

Our Riesling vines are planted in the lower region of the vineyard where 19th century gold miners left an area of exposed mineral rich ‘pipe clay’, the remnants of a 10 million year old lake bed.

Water races were used by gold miners to carry water and are an iconic part of the Central Otago landscape, following the contours of the hills, often over many miles. Many are still in use today helping transform a dry landscape into useable farmland. Domain Road Vineyard, like many others, relies on the industry of early settlers and their water races to produce its wines, including our Dry Riesling.

The Wine

Hand harvested in April 2014, the grapes were whole bunch pressed before undergoing fermentation if a stainless steel tank. Fermentation was stopped to retain a touch of residual sweetness from the grapes in order to give the wine balance.

Pale straw with clear hues, our Water Race Riesling is a dry style with balanced crisp acidity. Aromas of lime and mandarin dominate the nose with hints of floral and ginger.  Lemon, lime and stonefruit flavours show on the palate leading to a long mineral finish.  An excellent food wine.

Download wine notes here

Our Wines

• Pinot Noir
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Riesling
• Symposium
• Pinot Gris
• Pinot Noir Rosé
• Chardonnay