Dogwood & Thistle Riesling 2023

From the winery:

Harvest Date: September 17, 2022
Bottling Date: March 17, 2023
Fermentation: 100% tank fermented
Aging: 100% tank aged
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Appellation: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Release Date: June 1, 2023
Cases Produced: 25

Vineyard notes: The grapes are sourced from Ox-Eye Vineyards, a 100-acre farm near Swoope in Augusta
County, Virginia, at the feet of the Blue Ridge Mountains. John Kiers has owned the property for 25 years,
which he bought with the intention of growing grapes and making his own wine. He was the first person to
plant vinifera grapes in Augusta, currently has 24 acres under vine, and also grows Chardonnay, Cabernet
Franc, Lomberger, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. The area is known for low rainfall, cool climate, and
limestone soil. Kiers also notes that they are blessed with a wide diurnal temperature range at Ox-Eye,
allowing fruit to ripen without the acid dropping out. The vineyard site is tucked away into a pocket in the
hills that doesn’t get as hot in the summer as many of the surrounding areas, so white grapes do particularly
well there.
Winemaking techniques: The fruit was picked around 20° brix with a pH level a hair over 3. This wine was
always designed to be crisp and zippy with moderate alcohol. Fermentation at a relatively low temperature
(62%) took about a month in stainless steel tank after which the wine was racked to stainless steel drums for
elevage with an early, young bottling, resulting in a dry style.
Tasting notes: The fresh citrus and crisp apple dominate the nose and palate. The wine is medium bodied
with a viscosity and mouth feel that is reminiscent of Clare Valley Rieslings – not sweet, but fruity and
unctuous in a refreshing and nuanced way. In our house, we’ll be pairing it with summer fruit, tangy cheeses,
and fish dishes. This wine is a tribute to the Clare Valley Rieslings Sandy drank with his mum as a teenager in
the UK