d'Arenberg The Originals Dry Dam Riesling 2023 x 12
The dry dam Riesling 2023
McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Riesling (100%)
The Name
In 1992 our neighbours built a dam that
remained empty, as it was a dry winter. The
next year it rained but the dam was jinxed
and didn’t hold water. A dry dam is bad news
for our neighbouring farmers, but promises
good results for our old, dry-grown, low
yielding vines.
The Vintage
The cool, wet 2022 winter filled the subsoil,
while spring’s heavy rainfall impacted yields.
Shaded basal buds and reduced fruitfulness
from the previous season resulted in small
yields. Mild, dry summer caused late
veraison. Despite a week of intense heat
in February, most vines survived. Riesling
started three weeks late, and McLaren
Vale Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
ripened with low yields due to the heat wave.
Autumn was mild, and red grape harvest
followed McLaren Vale Chardonnay, with
variable, mostly low yields. Fiano, Marsanne,
Roussanne, and Viognier ripened alongside
the reds. Only 100 tonnes of red varieties
remained by Easter, with low yields in
Adelaide Hills Chardonnay and Pinot. Dry
white Chardonnay vineyards were used for
sparkling wine, promising a great year.
Harvest dates
Residual sugar
16 Feb - 15 Mar
14 g/l
The Winemaking
Small batches of grapes are gently
crushed, chilled, and then basket pressed.
The fermentation was long and cool, and
was stopped before reaching total dryness
to ensure that residual sugar remains to
balance the high mineral acidity.
The Characteristics
A very consistent and elegant Riesling.
Greeny straw and slightly yellow colour.
Fresh and mineral aromas of green pear,
lemon balm and fresh lime. The palate
comes with a citrusy core of lemon curd
and lime with a complementing outer layer
of tropical flavours like pineapple, green
apple, pear and kiwifruit. Extraordinary
acidity, lifted but not sharp and in perfect
harmony with the slightly sweet mouthfeel.
Absolutely lovely now but can also age and
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