Dry Riesling - The Water Race 2013

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 2013, the grapes were whole bunch pressed and the juice inoculated with selected yeasts before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel tanks to retain varietal characteristics. Fermentation was stopped to retain a touch of residual sweetness from the grapes in order to give the wine balance and poise.

Pale straw in colour, 'The Water Race' Dry Riesling is a deliciously dry, steely Riesling.  Lemon and lime on the nose with hints or orange blossom and white peach. Zesty citrus flavours dominate on the palate, leading to a long lingering finish.  An excellent food wine

Download wine notes here

Raymond Chan - The mouthfeel is smooth and sleek with a very fine textural thread, and the palate is bright, with liveliness, vitality, tension and poise. 

Our Wines

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