Dicey Bannockburn Riesling 2022

Dicey is a small, family-run winery in Central Otago, New Zealand, known for its hands-on, minimal-intervention approach to winemaking. Founded by the Dicey brothers, James and Matt, the estate focuses on expressing the region’s dramatic terroir through precision and purity. Bannockburn, one of Central Otago’s most prized subregions, is renowned for producing Riesling with intense minerality, bright acidity, and remarkable ageing potential.

The 2022 Bannockburn Riesling is sourced from schist-laden soils, which contribute to its distinct flinty character and crisp structure. The extreme diurnal temperature shifts—warm days and cool nights—help maintain acidity while allowing slow, even ripening. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts enhances complexity, while a slight residual sweetness balances the wine’s vibrant acidity.

Appearance: A pale straw-gold with glints of green, showcasing its youthful freshness. The wine is brilliantly clear, with a shimmering, almost crystalline quality. Swirling reveals delicate, quick-moving legs, indicating a light-bodied, high-acid structure. Light dances across its surface, enhancing its vibrancy and tension.

Aroma: A lifted, citrus-driven nose with lime zest, lemon blossom, and green apple at the forefront. A steely, wet-stone minerality emerges, intertwined with hints of jasmine, honeysuckle, and a touch of white peach. Subtle nuances of beeswax and a whisper of petrol hint at the wine’s potential to develop beautifully over time.

Taste: Zesty and electric, with a core of lime juice, mandarin, and crunchy green apple. The mouthfeel is sleek and racy, driven by piercing acidity that carries through the palate. A delicate touch of honeyed sweetness balances the tension, while the schist-derived minerality adds depth and a dry, almost saline edge.

Finish: Exceptionally long and precise, with lingering citrus zest, wet stone, and a hint of elderflower. The acidity remains vibrant throughout, ensuring a refreshing and mouthwatering conclusion.

Food Pairing: A stunning match for freshly shucked oysters with a squeeze of lime, Thai green curry, or grilled prawns with chilli and lemongrass. Also pairs beautifully with goat’s cheese and honey-drizzled figs.