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Dry Riesling - The Water Race 2015

The tasting notes

Dry Riesling - The Water Race - Click to purchase

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 on two vineyards Domain Road and Defiance Vineyard on Felton Road. 

On Domain Road Vineyard the 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.  On Defiance they are planted on a north facing slope which are predominantly clay based soils. 

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 late March from Defiance and early April from Domain Road, the grapes were whole bunch pressed before undergoing fermentation in 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 lemon and lime dominate the nose with hints of honey comb and flint.  Lemon, lime and pink grapefruit flavours show on the palate together with some stone fruit.  An excellent food wine.

Download wine notes here

Variety 100% Dry Riesling - The Water Race
Appellation Central Otago
Sub Region Bannockburn
Ph 2.98
TA 7.84g/l
Alcohol 13% by volume
Residual Sugar 5.1g/l