The Dry Dam Riesling
⏳ Drinking Window
2021 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Spicy Thai curry, fresh oysters, salt and pepper squid
✨ Technical Specifications
The story of 'The Dry Dam' dates back to 1992 when a dam was built on the d'Arenberg property, only for a dry spell to set in, leaving it completely empty. While the dam remained dry, the nearby Riesling vines thrived, prompting winemaker Chester Osborn to dedicate the name to this resilient block. Sourced from cool-climate vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, this wine is crafted to highlight the delicate, aromatic potential of the grape. Unlike many bone-dry Australian Rieslings, The Dry Dam is traditionally made in an off-dry style, where a touch of residual sugar is masterfully balanced by a spine of bracing, electric acidity. The grapes undergo gentle basket pressing and cool fermentation to preserve the pristine primary fruit characters of lime, green apple, and white flowers.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1912 by Joseph Osborn, d'Arenberg has grown into one of McLaren Vale's most iconic and storied family-owned estates in South Australia. Under the visionary stewardship of fourth-generation winemaker Chester Osborn, the winery adheres strictly to traditional, sustainable methods, utilizing certified organic and biodynamic viticulture along with foot-treading and basket pressing. Renowned for its eclectic naming conventions and distinctive red-stripe label, the estate crafts a wide spectrum of expressive wines with a particular mastery of Rhône varieties, old-vine Grenache, and robust Shiraz. Signature bottlings such as 'The Dead Arm Shiraz' and 'The Ironstone Pressings' stand as benchmarks of regional depth, complexity, and age-worthy character.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Riesling
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
10.5% - 11.5%