Dogwood & Thistle 2023 Riesling

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.

Tasting Notes

This is a classic, dry Riesling with minerality on the nose and slate and candied lemon on the palate. There is a mouthwatering, unctuous character to this wine that will age well over the next couple of years. We make this Shenandoah Valley Riesling as a tribute to the Clare Valley Rieslings Sandy drank with his mum as a teenager in the UK.

139 Cases Produced